Sport Diplomacy As An Instrument Of Chinese Soft Power

The following bachelor thesis examines the background and strategy of Chinese soft power and is aimed at building an understanding and finding evidence on culture as an instrument of Chinese soft power applied specifically in Russia. The thesis aims at answering the research question “How culture performing as an instrument of soft power is capable of breaking down the ambiguous nature of China in the perception of Russian social circles?”. There are three main instruments of soft power outlined: education, cinematography, cultural programs and events, and economic partnership as a side factor. Through the analysis of official documents, reports of states’ officials, statistical data and a narrative framed around Russian cultural circles representatives it is outlined that the Chinese soft power strategy has a successful influence on young generation, attracting more students to study in China and take part in educational and cultural events. Even though the ambiguous perception of China still remains an issue within Russian society. The existence of this stereotype much depends on China’s policy around the intensity of China culture spread in Russia.