Cultural diplomacy in the foreign policy of the Russian Federation: significance and prospects

Culture has always been an integral part of human communication and, at the same time, an important tool in international relations. While diplomacy in the traditional sense is associated with negotiations, agreements, and official contacts, cultural diplomacy operates softly and discreetly, yet often proves far more effective than conventional mechanisms. Through language, art, education, film, or music, a state can speak louder than through any official statements. This is why cultural diplomacy is becoming especially significant in the 21st century. The relevance of this topic is explained by several factors. First, globalization and the digital environment have made culture a universal language of communication, accessible to a wide variety of countries and peoples. Second, the modern world is experiencing a period of instability: traditional diplomatic forms increasingly face crises and dead ends. In such circumstances, cultural interaction remains a means of maintaining dialogue, even when political relations become complicated. Third, for Russia, cultural diplomacy is not only a means of strengthening its image abroad but also an important channel for maintaining ties with compatriots living in various parts of the world. The novelty of this work lies in its emphasis on recent developments: digital diplomacy, the changing international image of Russia under sanctions pressure, and the use of new forms of cultural presence. While previously the focus was on cultural centers, festivals, and educational programs, today online projects, social networks, and media platforms are increasingly important, building an audience not only in neighboring countries but also around the world.