Reservoir of Power
Germany’s Political Foundations in Russia
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
In its early days, the work of political foundations in Russia was a pioneering venture. Today, these offices represent a unique form of continuity in relations between Germany and Russia. They organize meetings and discuss issues such as foreign policy and cooperation in civil society. They promote environmental journalism and non-government organisations and devote themselves to confronting the past or teaching religion in schools. And they invite experts. Thanks to these activities, contacts have been intensified that could provide the foundation for an active German Russia policy. But the strategies and commitment needed to use this unique soft power more effectively are both lacking.
(Osteuropa 6-8/2012, pp. 485–504)