Ladies Figure Skating as an Element of Russian Soft Power in the International Arena

Andrey Volkov

doi:doi:10.11648/j.jpsir.20210401.11

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Ladies Figure Skating as an Element of Russian Soft Power in the International Arena

Andrey Volkov

Published in Journal of Political Science and International Relations (Volume 4, Issue 1)

Received: 24 December 2020 Accepted: 13 January 2021 Published: 22 January 2021

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Abstract

This article examines Russia's growing attractiveness around the world through the prism of its athletic performance. With the beginning of the new millennium, Russia's status in the sports world is attracting great international and scientific attention. Over the past three decades, in the context of the geocultural paradigm of the development of the global world, the process of shaping the humanitarian dimension in world politics has clearly emerged. Humanitarian problems are of particular importance in modern international relations. Their solution depends on the state of international relations, the level of their tension and conflict, as well as the involvement in this process not only of official representatives of states, but also of representatives of the general public, including the sports community. Sport is a global phenomenon. At its best, it has the ability to bring people together regardless of their background, upbringing, religious beliefs or economic status. In a positive manifestation, sport serves as a tool for intercultural cooperation, aimed at peacemaking, overcoming conflicts and achieving intercultural dialogue. As such, sport is widely recognized as an important source of soft power resources for any international actor. This is especially true for modern Russia, since one should not forget that sports victories are associated today with the strength of the state, its authority and image on the world stage. The key research object of this article is figure skating as a sports component of the “soft power” arsenal of modern Russia. Using the sport of women's figure skating as an example, the article explores how Russia uses soft-power tools of influence in the intersecting arena of politics, sports and foreign policy to consolidate regional and global hegemony through a combination of different strategies. These include regular successful hosting and participation in major sporting events; development of national sports content; a positive cumulative rating in international competitions compared to other contenders for international influence. The article argues that in the modern world, sport is an instrument of political influence with a powerful potential and capabilities. It identifies shortcomings in the development of the Russian potential of such a sport as figure skating, examines possible prospects and highlights the main directions for a more fruitful use of figure skating as a tool of diplomacy and “soft power”.

Published in	Journal of Political Science and International Relations (Volume 4, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.jpsir.20210401.11
Page(s)	1-7
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Sport, “Soft Power”, Figure Skating, Russia, Public Image, Sports Diplomacy, Sports Star, Promotion, National Brand

References

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Andrey Volkov. (2021). Ladies Figure Skating as an Element of Russian Soft Power in the International Arena. Journal of Political Science and International Relations, 4(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jpsir.20210401.11

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ACS Style

Andrey Volkov. Ladies Figure Skating as an Element of Russian Soft Power in the International Arena. J. Polit. Sci. Int. Relat. 2021, 4(1), 1-7. doi: 10.11648/j.jpsir.20210401.11

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Andrey Volkov. Ladies Figure Skating as an Element of Russian Soft Power in the International Arena. J Polit Sci Int Relat. 2021;4(1):1-7. doi: 10.11648/j.jpsir.20210401.11

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@article{10.11648/j.jpsir.20210401.11,
  author = {Andrey Volkov},
  title = {Ladies Figure Skating as an Element of Russian Soft Power in the International Arena},
  journal = {Journal of Political Science and International Relations},
  volume = {4},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-7},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jpsir.20210401.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jpsir.20210401.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jpsir.20210401.11},
  abstract = {This article examines Russia's growing attractiveness around the world through the prism of its athletic performance. With the beginning of the new millennium, Russia's status in the sports world is attracting great international and scientific attention. Over the past three decades, in the context of the geocultural paradigm of the development of the global world, the process of shaping the humanitarian dimension in world politics has clearly emerged. Humanitarian problems are of particular importance in modern international relations. Their solution depends on the state of international relations, the level of their tension and conflict, as well as the involvement in this process not only of official representatives of states, but also of representatives of the general public, including the sports community. Sport is a global phenomenon. At its best, it has the ability to bring people together regardless of their background, upbringing, religious beliefs or economic status. In a positive manifestation, sport serves as a tool for intercultural cooperation, aimed at peacemaking, overcoming conflicts and achieving intercultural dialogue. As such, sport is widely recognized as an important source of soft power resources for any international actor. This is especially true for modern Russia, since one should not forget that sports victories are associated today with the strength of the state, its authority and image on the world stage. The key research object of this article is figure skating as a sports component of the “soft power” arsenal of modern Russia. Using the sport of women's figure skating as an example, the article explores how Russia uses soft-power tools of influence in the intersecting arena of politics, sports and foreign policy to consolidate regional and global hegemony through a combination of different strategies. These include regular successful hosting and participation in major sporting events; development of national sports content; a positive cumulative rating in international competitions compared to other contenders for international influence. The article argues that in the modern world, sport is an instrument of political influence with a powerful potential and capabilities. It identifies shortcomings in the development of the Russian potential of such a sport as figure skating, examines possible prospects and highlights the main directions for a more fruitful use of figure skating as a tool of diplomacy and “soft power”.},
 year = {2021}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Ladies Figure Skating as an Element of Russian Soft Power in the International Arena
AU  - Andrey Volkov
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PY  - 2021
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jpsir.20210401.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.jpsir.20210401.11
T2  - Journal of Political Science and International Relations
JF  - Journal of Political Science and International Relations
JO  - Journal of Political Science and International Relations
SP  - 1
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PB  - Science Publishing Group
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UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jpsir.20210401.11
AB  - This article examines Russia's growing attractiveness around the world through the prism of its athletic performance. With the beginning of the new millennium, Russia's status in the sports world is attracting great international and scientific attention. Over the past three decades, in the context of the geocultural paradigm of the development of the global world, the process of shaping the humanitarian dimension in world politics has clearly emerged. Humanitarian problems are of particular importance in modern international relations. Their solution depends on the state of international relations, the level of their tension and conflict, as well as the involvement in this process not only of official representatives of states, but also of representatives of the general public, including the sports community. Sport is a global phenomenon. At its best, it has the ability to bring people together regardless of their background, upbringing, religious beliefs or economic status. In a positive manifestation, sport serves as a tool for intercultural cooperation, aimed at peacemaking, overcoming conflicts and achieving intercultural dialogue. As such, sport is widely recognized as an important source of soft power resources for any international actor. This is especially true for modern Russia, since one should not forget that sports victories are associated today with the strength of the state, its authority and image on the world stage. The key research object of this article is figure skating as a sports component of the “soft power” arsenal of modern Russia. Using the sport of women's figure skating as an example, the article explores how Russia uses soft-power tools of influence in the intersecting arena of politics, sports and foreign policy to consolidate regional and global hegemony through a combination of different strategies. These include regular successful hosting and participation in major sporting events; development of national sports content; a positive cumulative rating in international competitions compared to other contenders for international influence. The article argues that in the modern world, sport is an instrument of political influence with a powerful potential and capabilities. It identifies shortcomings in the development of the Russian potential of such a sport as figure skating, examines possible prospects and highlights the main directions for a more fruitful use of figure skating as a tool of diplomacy and “soft power”.
VL  - 4
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ER  -

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Author Information

Andrey Volkov

Global Sudies Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia

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Andrey Volkov. (2021). Ladies Figure Skating as an Element of Russian Soft Power in the International Arena. Journal of Political Science and International Relations, 4(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jpsir.20210401.11

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ACS Style

Andrey Volkov. Ladies Figure Skating as an Element of Russian Soft Power in the International Arena. J. Polit. Sci. Int. Relat. 2021, 4(1), 1-7. doi: 10.11648/j.jpsir.20210401.11

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AMA Style

Andrey Volkov. Ladies Figure Skating as an Element of Russian Soft Power in the International Arena. J Polit Sci Int Relat. 2021;4(1):1-7. doi: 10.11648/j.jpsir.20210401.11

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@article{10.11648/j.jpsir.20210401.11,
  author = {Andrey Volkov},
  title = {Ladies Figure Skating as an Element of Russian Soft Power in the International Arena},
  journal = {Journal of Political Science and International Relations},
  volume = {4},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-7},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jpsir.20210401.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jpsir.20210401.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jpsir.20210401.11},
  abstract = {This article examines Russia's growing attractiveness around the world through the prism of its athletic performance. With the beginning of the new millennium, Russia's status in the sports world is attracting great international and scientific attention. Over the past three decades, in the context of the geocultural paradigm of the development of the global world, the process of shaping the humanitarian dimension in world politics has clearly emerged. Humanitarian problems are of particular importance in modern international relations. Their solution depends on the state of international relations, the level of their tension and conflict, as well as the involvement in this process not only of official representatives of states, but also of representatives of the general public, including the sports community. Sport is a global phenomenon. At its best, it has the ability to bring people together regardless of their background, upbringing, religious beliefs or economic status. In a positive manifestation, sport serves as a tool for intercultural cooperation, aimed at peacemaking, overcoming conflicts and achieving intercultural dialogue. As such, sport is widely recognized as an important source of soft power resources for any international actor. This is especially true for modern Russia, since one should not forget that sports victories are associated today with the strength of the state, its authority and image on the world stage. The key research object of this article is figure skating as a sports component of the “soft power” arsenal of modern Russia. Using the sport of women's figure skating as an example, the article explores how Russia uses soft-power tools of influence in the intersecting arena of politics, sports and foreign policy to consolidate regional and global hegemony through a combination of different strategies. These include regular successful hosting and participation in major sporting events; development of national sports content; a positive cumulative rating in international competitions compared to other contenders for international influence. The article argues that in the modern world, sport is an instrument of political influence with a powerful potential and capabilities. It identifies shortcomings in the development of the Russian potential of such a sport as figure skating, examines possible prospects and highlights the main directions for a more fruitful use of figure skating as a tool of diplomacy and “soft power”.},
 year = {2021}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Ladies Figure Skating as an Element of Russian Soft Power in the International Arena
AU  - Andrey Volkov
Y1  - 2021/01/22
PY  - 2021
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jpsir.20210401.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.jpsir.20210401.11
T2  - Journal of Political Science and International Relations
JF  - Journal of Political Science and International Relations
JO  - Journal of Political Science and International Relations
SP  - 1
EP  - 7
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2640-2785
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jpsir.20210401.11
AB  - This article examines Russia's growing attractiveness around the world through the prism of its athletic performance. With the beginning of the new millennium, Russia's status in the sports world is attracting great international and scientific attention. Over the past three decades, in the context of the geocultural paradigm of the development of the global world, the process of shaping the humanitarian dimension in world politics has clearly emerged. Humanitarian problems are of particular importance in modern international relations. Their solution depends on the state of international relations, the level of their tension and conflict, as well as the involvement in this process not only of official representatives of states, but also of representatives of the general public, including the sports community. Sport is a global phenomenon. At its best, it has the ability to bring people together regardless of their background, upbringing, religious beliefs or economic status. In a positive manifestation, sport serves as a tool for intercultural cooperation, aimed at peacemaking, overcoming conflicts and achieving intercultural dialogue. As such, sport is widely recognized as an important source of soft power resources for any international actor. This is especially true for modern Russia, since one should not forget that sports victories are associated today with the strength of the state, its authority and image on the world stage. The key research object of this article is figure skating as a sports component of the “soft power” arsenal of modern Russia. Using the sport of women's figure skating as an example, the article explores how Russia uses soft-power tools of influence in the intersecting arena of politics, sports and foreign policy to consolidate regional and global hegemony through a combination of different strategies. These include regular successful hosting and participation in major sporting events; development of national sports content; a positive cumulative rating in international competitions compared to other contenders for international influence. The article argues that in the modern world, sport is an instrument of political influence with a powerful potential and capabilities. It identifies shortcomings in the development of the Russian potential of such a sport as figure skating, examines possible prospects and highlights the main directions for a more fruitful use of figure skating as a tool of diplomacy and “soft power”.
VL  - 4
IS  - 1
ER  -

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