Russian Public Relations Activities and Soft Power

This issue of the Russian Analytical Digest examines Russian public relations activities and soft power. First, Andis Kudors assesses Moscow's relations with Russian compatriots residing abroad as a way of exerting soft power over neighboring countries. Particular attention is given to the role of the Russian Orthodox Church and Russian television as a vehicle for spreading influence. Second, Robert Orttung examines Russia's use of public relations as a foreign policy tool. Examples include the global RT (formerly Russia Today) television network, Vladimir Putin's use of PR in Russian domestic politics and Gazprom's international PR campaigns.