Abstract
This paper examines how the Russia appropriates Western academic knowledge as a tool of influence in its communication with Western audiences. It pursues three main objectives. First, it argues that the concept of soft power has been widely misunderstood due to its intangible, non-kinetic nature, often being mischaracterized as disinformation and manipulative practices associated with Russian influence. Second, the paper offers a refined interpretation of sharp power. While sharp power has typically been examined in political, institutional, normative, or economic contexts, this study calls for an ideational—or even ideological—approach. Third, it argues that Russia exploits the intellectual strengths of Western democratic societies, namely the knowledge field. In order to explain the last point, this study offers a discourse analysis of Vladimir Pozner and Fyodor Lukyanov, Russian intellectuals who frequently present themselves as independent commentators, alongside Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister. The aim is to demonstrate, both the similarities in their discursive strategies, and how they directly draw on concepts originating in the Western academic tradition. These concepts and theories, particularly those rooted in international relations and political science, are selectively appropriated, re-signified, and mobilized to ‘speak the language’ of Western audiences, with the intention of legitimizing Russia’s foreign policy positions.