The role of «soft power» instruments in realizing Russia's national interests in Asia- Pacific region

Abstract

Reducing of Russia's political, military and economic presence in Asia-Pacific region, associated with the collapse of the USSR and the bipolar system of international relations, considerably weakened the degree of its cultural influence in the region. As a result, of the deep crisis in the political, economic and social life experienced by our country in the last decade of the twentieth century, Russia has practically lost its status as a world superpower, especially among former Soviet allies in the socialist bloc (China, Korea, India, Vietnam, Laos, Mongolia). Unattractiveness of foreign policy, national economy, inefficiency of the reforms, unfavorable investment climate, high levels of bureaucracy and criminalization of society, corruption of power, imperfect system of Russian legislation, unformed institutions of civil society have had a negative impact on our country's image in the world community assessments. However, now it has become quite obvious that the role of ``soft power'' instruments in world politics grows increasingly, resulting in the issue of Russia's cultural presence renewal in the world and, particularly in Asia-Pacific region is becoming one of the most important national interests of the country's foreign policy. In this regard, there is a need for intensification of integration processes in the sphere of humanitarian cooperation (science, education, culture, tourism, language, media, youth policy), between Russia and Asia Pacific countries. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of Russian ``soft power'' instruments in Russia's foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific region. The paper analyzes the factors and conditions for increasing humanitarian and cultural presence of Russia in the world, the recent initiatives and decisions of Russian government, as well as measures of state support in terms of the development of cultural diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific region. The key challenges and the prospects for further activity in this direction are identified. Keywords: soft power, Asia-Pacific region, Russian Federation, humanitarian resource, foreign policy, Rossotrudniestvo.