"We Show What Is Concealed": Russian Soft Power in Germany. Issue 3 (4th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Decker, Philip K.
• Is Part Of: Problems of post-communism. Volume 68:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 216
• Page End: 230
• Publication Date: 2021-05-04
• Subjects: Post-communism -- Periodicals; Post-communism; Periodicals; 330.91717
• DOI: 10.1080/10758216.2020.1753082
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1075-8216

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Using a modified theoretical model derived from the work of Joseph Nye, this paper argues that Russian media have conducted a soft power campaign in Germany that targets that country's Russian-speaking population. Among a portion of the target group, Kremlin-funded outlets have succeeded in encouraging skepticism of German culture and authorities while presenting Russian culture and government as representative of a superior alternative value system. These conditions have helped generate political disruption (significant Russian-German support for the right-wing populist party Alternative für Deutschland) and physical unrest (a protest over the purported rape of a Russian girl by migrants).