Rysk identitetstopografi : Landsmän i utlandet 1999-2021

Sammanfattning

This study explores the Russian instrumentalization of its diaspora through the concept of Compatriots abroad and the so-called Russian World. The Russian system for mobilizing compatriots has been developing since the late 90´s. Several conflicts have flared up in the former member states of the Soviet Union under the pretense of protecting Russian compatriots abroad. The forms and methods for communicating with and shaping the diaspora has evolved into what is today a centrally run global network with the potential to reach from the very political top down to the grass root level in over 100 countries. By analyzing periodically recurring statements made by Russian government officials, this study investigates how the Russian state apparatus describes its compatriots abroad and their role in Russia’s geopolitics. The texts studied have been periodically as well as thematically categorized to be able to notice trends and changes in communication. Russian compatriots abroad have been given what seems to be a central role in the outspoken Russian ambition to reclaim its status as a great power. Compatriots are described as reluctant prisoners in foreign lands, torn from their homeland by a wink of faith, yearning to return to Russia in her time of greatness to help turn the political landscape into Russia´s favor. By claiming that the Russian diaspora is being denied its ethnocultural rights in their respective countries, Russia finds reason to protect the status of the Russian language in the former Soviet Union. The language is portrayed as the key to the mind of the population as well as a vital part of a person’s identity. It’s declining status in the former Soviet Union is one of the most frequently recurring themes. Compatriots abroad play an important role in confirming the claim made by the Russian state apparatus - that there exists a unique Russian Eurasian civilization. Using its controlled media, in combination with a network of relay hubs around the globe, Russia is shaping compatriots abroad into citizens of the Russian world, a civilization not allowing itself to be defined by geographical borders.