Publisher Description

This book explores Russia's relations with Latvia, arguing that Latvia, with a higher proportion of Russian speakers than other Baltic states, is especially vulnerable to Russia's "sharp power". The book highlights how authoritarian and totalitarian regimes are unable to exercise soft power based on the attractiveness of the country's culture and values, which would help them gain the favour of the audience of the target countries, but instead, as in the case of Russia, use public diplomacy, compatriot policy, media policy, propaganda, and disinformation to produce a destructive effect, distorting the democracies of target countries and increasing national security risks. The book provides in-depth detail on how Russia is making use of this "sharp power" in Latvia, examines the consequences and assesses the dangers for the future.

Author Biography

Andis Kudors is an Adjunct Lecturer in the Faculty of Social Sciences in the University of Latvia, Latvia

Table of Contents

ContentsList of TablesList of AbbreviationsAcknowledgementsIntroduction1. Extremely Sharp Power2. Methods of Sharp Power: Definitions3. The Context: One Hundred Years of Latvian-Russian Bilateral Relations4. History Still Matters: The Kremlin's Diplomacy of Remembrance as One of the Main Elements of Sharp Power5. Russian Compatriot Policy Against Latvian Educational, Language and Citizenship Policies6. 'Russian World': Geopolitics, Values, and Culture7. The Russian Orthodox Church and Latvia8. Russian Media in Latvia: Much More than 'RT' and 'Sputnik'9. Social Media as a New Ground for Confrontation10. Elections and Referenda in Latvia: 'Neighbour's Footprints in the Backyard'11. The Regional Dimension: Separatism of Latgale that Never Materialized12. The Emotional Side of Sharp Power: From Humour to RudenessConclusionsIndex

Details