Institutional Dimension of the “Soft Power” Policy: Analytical Method and Russian Experience

Abstract

Despite the high interest of political scientists in the “soft power” concept, little attention is paid to its institutional dimension. The paper attempts to fill this gap by systematizing knowledge in this area, defining conceptual questions and suggesting analytical tools. The paper is based on three established approaches to define the political institutions: regulatory, organizational, and practical (activity-based) ones. In its turn, an understanding of the “soft power” concept is reflected by the approach of J. Nye. On this basis, the author clarifies the content of the institutional dimension in the “soft power” policy context and suggests an institutional model of a modern state’s “soft power” policy as an analytical tool. The potential use of the suggested model is considered by the example of Russia. This paper calls for a discussion about the institutional manifestations of the “soft power” policy, clarification of the subject area, and development of tools to study this phenomenon.

Keywords

• “soft power”
• political institutions
• institutional model
• institutionalization
• public diplomacy
• russian politics