Vladimir Putin, Russia's long-standing leader, has issued a directive for the development of a program aimed at promoting "traditional Russian spiritual and moral values" on the global stage. This initiative, dubbed "Russia in the World," marks a significant step in the Kremlin's ongoing efforts to assert its cultural influence internationally.
The program, as outlined in an order published on the Kremlin's official website, is set to focus on fostering international youth cooperation while simultaneously disseminating Russia's traditional values abroad. While the specific financial allocation for this initiative remains undisclosed, it is expected to be integrated into the country's national projects framework.
This move aligns with Russia's increasing emphasis on traditional values, a trend that has been gaining momentum since Putin's return to the presidency in 2012. The Russian government has been actively promoting its concept of traditional values at the UN Human Rights Council since 2009, positioning itself as a global defender of conservative ideals.
In recent years, Russia has shown growing opposition to Western social liberalism, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ rights and gender identity issues. This stance was starkly illustrated about a year ago when the Russian Supreme Court classified the "international LGBT movement" as an extremist organization. Subsequently, some Russian citizens have faced brief detentions or fines for displaying rainbow-themed materials.
The concept of "spiritual bonds" (духовные скрепы), introduced by Putin in 2012, has become a cornerstone of Russian political discourse. This idea, along with the broader notion of "Russkiy Mir" (Russian World), has been instrumental in shaping Russia's soft power strategy both domestically and internationally.
"The West is trying to undermine Russia by exporting liberal ideologies."
This statement, made by Putin in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which began approximately 2 years and 6 months ago, underscores the ideological divide between Russia and Western nations. Putin has publicly characterized the West as "satanic," framing the conflict not just in geopolitical terms but as a clash of values.
Russia's promotion of traditional values extends beyond rhetoric. In 2020, the Russian Constitution was amended to include references to God and traditional family values. The government has also increased funding for patriotic education programs and tightened control over media and internet content to align with its concept of traditional values.
The "Russia in the World" program is likely to utilize various channels for its implementation. The Russkiy Mir Foundation, established to promote Russian language and culture globally, may play a significant role. Additionally, state-funded international media outlets like RT and Sputnik have been instrumental in promoting Russia's worldview abroad.
As Russia continues to position itself as a bastion of traditional values, this new initiative represents a concerted effort to expand its cultural and ideological influence on the global stage, particularly among young people. The program's development and implementation will be closely watched by international observers, as it has the potential to further shape Russia's relationships with other nations and its role in global affairs.