ABSTRACT
This introductory chapter previews the remainder of the book that describes Russian strategic communications as it is practiced in that nation-state today, in particular contemporary Russian public relations and advertising. Of course, Russian strategic communications as an area of scholarly inquiry, professional education, and practice can only be examined within the context of that nation-state’s history, culture, and ideology. It must be predicated on an understanding of Russia’s social, political, economic, and cultural dimensions. Furthermore, Russia’s media systems must be understood, which remain different from media systems elsewhere throughout the world. Thus far, an understanding of Russian strategic communications has been problematic, if not impossible, for non-Russians. This book is intended to help a global audience to better understand Russian strategic communications as an area of scholarly inquiry, professional education, and practice. The editors and authors hope that it will be a bridge—indeed the beginning of a continuing dialogue—between strategic communications scholars, educators, and practitioners worldwide with their counterparts in today’s Russia.
