SOFT POWER OF EASTERN ORTHODOXY IN KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

Religious institutions play an active role in a variety of public activities, including state affairs, in modern times. Religious leaders in particular engage in global affairs, making them key players in intercultural communication and public diplomacy. This article explores the activities of the Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan through the lens of «soft power». It presents contemporary discourses on the actors, foundations, and possibilities of «soft power» as an alternative to traditional diplomacy. It is worth noting that there is debate about which countries, ideologies, and cultures possess the potential for «soft power». The article analyzes the narratives and messages of the Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan as tools of «soft power», influenced by the general attitudes of Russian foreign policy. Additionally, it examines the resource potential of the Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan, which is realized through network organization and multi-vector activity. However, despite its significant resource potential, the effectiveness of Orthodox «soft power» in Kazakhstan also depends on other geopolitical factors. Overall, this topic is relevant because the concept of «soft power» is viewed as a peaceful mechanism for maintaining interstate relations, as well as promoting multiconfessional diversity and intercivilizational dialogue. This study’s significance lies in the fact that modern-day partnerships extend beyond mere cooperation, and countries must create an attractive «image». The article concludes that the Orthodox Church possesses several resources and «soft power» potential.