The Russian Orthodox Church’s influence in Russia’s affairs in the region of Eastern Europe

Abstract

The presence of the Russian Orthodox Church in Eastern Europe and its strong ties with the Kremlin does raise a question, how does the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church shape the foreign policy of Russia in Eastern Europe? To answer this question, this thesis utilizes soft power theory to examine the role and influence of the Russian Orthodox Church towards Russia’s soft power among the Eastern European countries. This thesis will use interpretive approach to better understand the context and meaning behind the activities of both the Russian state and church. The analysis shed light towards the significance of the Russian Orthodox Church in societal and state affairs of Russia, and how it influences the Russian policies in regards to Eastern Europe. This influence resulted in the Russian goal of implementing the Russkaya Doktrina in a Russkiy Mir which have a strong historical and cultural significance.