Transformation of Russian Digital Diplomacy as an Instrument of Foreign Policy in the 2010s

Abstract to the work on the topic: Transformation of digital diplomacy of the Russian Federation as a foreign policy tool in the 2010s. In this paper, we analyzed the factors that influenced the digital diplomacy of the Russian Federation in the 2010s. Using the example of digital diplomacy in other countries, we have shown how the state can influence the international agenda through the Internet, improve foreign policy, etc. The key factor that did not apply these Internet capabilities in the 2010s was, in our opinion, the securitizing discourse on the digital sphere. The perception of the Internet as a source of existential security threats did not allow us to consider the digital space as a field for active demonstration of "soft power" and conducting active information campaigns. The role of the "Arab Spring" and the Ukrainian crisis in the evolution of digital diplomacy is considered in detail. Taking into account global trends and assessments of experts from the scientific community, NGO leaders, prominent diplomats and professional politicians, the author proposed solutions for the implementation of digital diplomacy of the Russian Federation in the future. Keywords: digital diplomacy, information wars, securitization theory, foreign policy of the Russian Federation