The role of Russia in the cultural cooperation in the Barents Euro-Arctic Region

Abstract

This study examines the role of Russia in cultural cooperation in the Barents Euro-Arctic region. The study is carried out on the basis of five cultural programs in the Barents region from 2003 to 2023. The relevance of the work is associated with the constantly growing interest in the Arctic, however, the cultural side of the issue is rarely considered by researchers. The aim of the work is to determine the goals pursued by Russia in the participation and organization of cultural events in the Barents Euro-Arctic region. To solve the research goal, a complex of complementary research methods is applied. The main methods of analysis are qualitative content analysis, case study and comparative analysis method. The research is based on five programs of cultural cooperation in the Barents region, as well as Russian Strategies on foreign cultural policy, security, and development of the Arctic. The results of this study show that over the 20 years under study, Russia's position in the field of culture in the region has changed radically. This fully coincides with a change in foreign policy and a shift in the vector of interests from building a common cultural platform in the Barents region to preserving Russia's national interests. The change in the role of Russia went through three stages: active participation in all projects of the first programs, independent organization of events and representation of Russia as a platform for cultural dialogue. Since 2016, there has been a withdrawal from multilateral projects and doubts about the usefulness of cultural exchange with European countries. During a comparative analysis of the role of Russia, has been revealed that Russia's position in the region is a status quo, but currently it has a negative connotation due to the political situation. Although Russia has suspended multilateral projects in the region, bilateral ties between cities remain strong, but they are also suffering from financial constraints and the consequences of COVID-19. This work can be used as a basis for further consideration of the role of Russia in the foreign cultural policy of Northern Europe, as well as the comprehensive position of Russia in the Arctic. The significance of the study lies in the novelty of the issue under consideration