Cultural and Historical Connections between Russia and Papua New Guinea as an Example of the Effectiveness of Soft Power

ЮГО-ВОСТОЧНАЯ АЗИЯ: АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ РАЗВИТИЯ, 2024, №2(63), 296-313

 
Annotation: In the article the author makes the first attempt in Russian science to study the interaction between Russia and Papua New Guinea, analyzing the influence of soft power on the development of international relations. The article analyzes the activities of the Russian scientist N. N. Miklouho-Maclay (1846-1888) in interaction with the indigenous people of the New Guinea Island in the last third of the 19 century, even before the formation of statehood among the islanders. The relations between the Russian Federation and Papua New Guinea already in the 19, 20, 21 centuries are in many respects a continuation of the line based on the ideological heritage of the Russian scientist about respectful and equal treatment of the partners' interests, based on the inadmissibility of violent suppression of cultures, imposition of alien stereotypes, and forced cultural integration. The Russian side has used soft power throughout history up to the present time (2020s). The first in Russian science analyzes of the development of relations between Russia and PNG presents the use of soft power methods, quite an effective tool in the development of international relations. The main events considered in the article give an idea of the influence of soft power, which determined the nature of relations between the Russian and Papua New Guinean sides over the past 150 years. The trust between Russia and PNG already established thanks to the scientific and educational approach is the basis for the development of mutually beneficial international relations in the future.

Keywords: soft power, Papua New Guinea, Miklouho-Maclay, cultural and historical ties, Maclay Coast, international relations