Soft Power in World Politics: the Bologna Dimension

Through the prism of Russian participation in the Bologna Process, a keynote initiative designed to harmonize the European higher education systems, the article analyzes the international political role of one of the main elements of soft power — higher education. Globalization and the spread of modern computer and communication technologies is steadily weakening the traditional “tools” of countries’ power and influence. Aware of the changing political context, Russia is increasing its attention to and use of various public diplomacy tools, aimed primarily at working with foreign publics. Providing higher education services is one of the most efficient tools of promoting a country’s positive image abroad. Moreover, it also contributes to the development of Russian human capital.

soft power, Bologna Process, higher education, public diplomacy, Russia, European Union