The Russkiy Mir Foundation: State Politics Through Cultural Endeavors?

Between 2007 and 2022, Russian soft power, characterized by its ability to sway other countries through cultural, diplomatic, educational, and media channels rather than through military or economic force, found considerable traction in Europe. This was exemplified by institutions like the Russkiy Mir Foundation and the state agency Rossotrudnichestvo, which played significant roles in fostering cultural ties and educational exchanges between Russia and European nations. Numerous European universities actively sought partnerships with these entities, demonstrating a positive stance towards cultural exchange and academic collaboration. Despite the European Union’s declaration in 2016 of the foundation as a propaganda instrument of the Russian state, cooperation persisted. However, the outbreak of the full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine on 24 February 2022 abruptly terminated all avenues for cooperation between European countries and Russia, closing previously accessible channels. As a result, some European institutions reconsidered their partnerships with Russian entities, and there was a more cautious approach to engaging with Russian soft power initiatives.