From the theoretical point of view and applicable approach of democratic states, cultural diplomacy is designed to form a affirmative attitude towards 1 state among the public of another state through cultural means. In fact, this is simply a narrow, simplified definition of cultural diplomacy, which aims to advance common knowing and dialog between 2 countries. However, specified an explanation has nothing to do with the authoritarian approach to cultural diplomacy that Russia professes in the global arena.
In the Russian implementation, its state institutions of cultural diplomacy are not at all akin to their counterparts in another countries, specified as the British Council, Goethe Institute, Cervantes Institute, Polish Institute, Ukrainian Institute and many others. Moreover, it is impossible to call these institutions as “peers” with the Russian cultural diplomacy institutions abroad. Instead, the activities of Rossotrudnichestvo and the Russkiy Mir Foundation as key state actors of Russian cultural diplomacy are not so much about promoting Russia through its cultural heritage and modern Russian culture, but about methods that are complementary to the Russian military capabilities. These service to justify its aggressive abroad policy actions, including those in Ukraine since 2014.
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