ABSTRACT
The core of Russia’s soft power is the promotion of conservatism, traditionalism, and family values centred on the Orthodox Church. As Russia becomes increasingly weak economically (largely as a result of international economic sanctions which contributed to the collapse of the Russian Rouble in 2014-2015), the authorities have adopted an assertively nationalist course and appealed to memories of Soviet-era power to strengthen domestic support. Coupled with this, the Kremlin has adopted a new culture policy focussed on the distinctive heritage and traditional cultural values of Russia. This chapter observes that this policy echoes a Soviet legacy in the form of a new state ideology. The projection of this ideological influence and cultural soft power has increasingly formed part of a hybrid war waged initially in Crimea, then in Eastern Ukraine, and latterly in Syria. This chapter assesses the extent to which the Russian Federation is using cultural heritage to achieve military and political objectives.
