Russian Public Diplomacy: Historical Aspects

Abstract

This chapter reflects on public diplomacy actors in Russia, including not only states and diplomats but also individuals, groups and institutions involved in intercultural and inter-communal exchange, which influence international relations within the framework of relations between two or more states. Every day, individual citizens, non-governmental organisations and transnational corporations play an active part in discussions on international relations issues.

Public diplomacy in itself is by no means a substitute for the traditional one; it successfully supplements traditional diplomacy and allows us to prepare the most favourable political climate for subsequent steps in the foreign policy arena.