Methods of Soviet Cultural Diplomacy in the 1950s-1960s and their Significance for Contemporary Russian Foreign Policy

The article is dedicated to the experience of cultural diplomacy in the USSR during the 1950s and 1960s, which are relevant in the contemporary foreign policy practice of Russia. The authors explore the main tools and methods of Soviet cultural diplomacy, conducting a comparative analysis with the current principles of this direction in diplomatic activity. It is noted that in the modern foreign policy concept of Russia, significant attention is paid to the transmission of the country's cultural code and values. These steps are aimed at both forming a positive image of Russia on the world stage and intensifying humanitarian ties, as well as addressing a number of political tasks. Currently, the number of actors in cultural diplomacy is expanding, with the involvement of non-governmental organizations, public associations, etc. This trend was characteristic even during the Soviet period when, for example, contacts in the field of education and science helped to strengthen ties between individual states. The article provides examples from the Soviet experience, such as holding international festivals, exhibitions, and the creation of specialized educational institutions (for example, the Patrice Lumumba People's Friendship University), one of the goals of which was to expand humanitarian cooperation. The primary method of this research is comparative analysis, which allows for an examination of the models and tools of cultural diplomacy in the USSR and modern Russia, as well as identifying the most successful methods that contributed to forming a positive image of the country on the world stage, promoting domestic culture, achievements, and value orientations. The scientific novelty of this research is determined by the attempt to differentiate the methods of Soviet cultural diplomacy in the 1950s and 1960s and their application in contemporary diplomatic practice. The authors have focused on studying the activities of the USSR Ministry of Foreign Affairs and certain organizations aimed at expanding cultural and, in general, humanitarian cooperation. Undoubtedly, the Soviet model of cultural diplomacy attracted researchers' attention; however, it seems quite interesting not only to reconstruct the main directions and methods of the 1950s and 1960s but also to analyze their use in the present day. The authors conclude that the Soviet experience and tools remain relevant, as well as the development of the key trends in cultural diplomacy that were established in the era when the USSR actively expanded political interaction with individual states and regions.