Do Young Russian Compatriots Living Abroad Need Our Support?

Abstract

The Russian authorities have begun to show great interest in their diverse Russian-speaking diaspora in the world and have proposed an official “Russkiy Mir” political strategy integrated into Russian foreign policy and policies towards Russian compatriots. The purpose of the article is to analyze the need of young Russian compatriots abroad in various forms of state and non – state support from Russia based on the questionnaire survey data. The article considers the results of a questionnaire survey of young Russian compatriots living abroad. The survey was conducted in 54 foreign countries. 2042 respondents aged from 14 to 30 years inclusive were interviewed. Most young Russian compatriots have formed a dual identity – Russian and the country of residence. Empirical data describing the need of young compatriots abroad in various forms of state and non-state support are obtained. Most young compatriots did not use measures of state and non-state support, low coverage of young compatriots by the events was established. The potential for consolidation is highlighted - the Russian language, the common historical and cultural heritage of Russia, viewing Russian media and television shows, as well as the development of economic ties.

Keywords

• compatriots
• young people
• “russkiy mir”
• russian culture
• russian language
• the post-soviet space