Nowadays Eurasianism is gradually transformed from a philosophical doctrine known only to experts into cultural and political practice. The attempts of reintegration of the former Soviet Union made by Kremlin encourage population to reflect on the historical mission of Russia and its ‘civilizational’ identity. Vladimir Putin in his article published in “Izvestya” in October 2011 made clear division between the supporters and opponents of the Eurasian Union. Russia’s contemporary Minister of Culture, Vladimir Medinsky, warmly supports the idea of the Eurasian integration and even called it the major “macro-task” of Russia. In his writings and documents of his ministry, Medinsky actively entertains the idea of Eurasian union and considers Eurasianism one of the most fruitful doctrines aiming at Russian inner and foreign politics. In my presentation I am going to analyze the recent documents and statements of the Ministry of Culture concerning Eurasianism as a force of cultural and political re-integration of Russia with former Soviet territories and other neighboring countries.
Panel ‘Eurasianism as a Soft Power’