How the Russian Diaspora is used to Project Power: The Case of Latvia

Understanding the "Russian World" strategy and its implications for European security

The Hidden Influence Campaign

When we think about international conflict, we often picture military confrontations or economic sanctions. But there's a subtler form of influence at play—one that operates through cultural centers, media outlets, and diaspora communities. Russia has mastered this art of "soft power" projection, and nowhere is this more evident than in Latvia.

With nearly 25% of its population being Russian-speaking, Latvia offers a fascinating case study of how modern states navigate the complex intersection of national identity, sovereignty, and foreign influence in the 21st century.

The "Russian World" Concept: More Than Just Culture

At the heart of Russia's strategy lies the concept of Russkiy Mir (Russian World)—an ideological framework that treats Russian identity as transcending national borders. What began as a seemingly innocent cultural initiative to preserve Russian language and Orthodox Christian values has evolved into a sophisticated geopolitical tool.

The idea is simple yet powerful: all Russian speakers, regardless of where they live, belong to a single cultural and historical community. This includes the approximately 25 million ethnic Russians living outside Russia's borders—people Moscow considers part of its extended national family.

The Institutional Framework

In 2007, Russia formalized this approach by establishing the Russkiy Mir Foundation, jointly administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education. While officially tasked with promoting Russian language and culture worldwide, critics argue it functions as a soft power arm of the Russian state.

The foundation supports:

• Russian cultural centers in universities and libraries

• Language courses and educational programs

• Cultural festivals and academic conferences

• Media outlets targeting diaspora communities

Latvia: A Strategic Battleground

Latvia's position makes it particularly significant in this story. As a former Soviet republic that joined both NATO and the EU, it represents the collision between Russia's sphere of influence and Western integration. The country's large Russian-speaking minority—concentrated in cities like Riga and the eastern Latgale region—provides fertile ground for Russian engagement efforts.

The Historical Context

The current situation has deep historical roots. After centuries of changing control between various powers, Latvia was incorporated into the Russian Empire in the 18th century, then briefly independent after World War I, before being occupied by the Soviet Union until 1991.

This history left Latvia with a complex demographic legacy: a significant Russian-speaking population that suddenly found itself in a newly independent state with different language requirements and citizenship laws.

Russia's Engagement Strategy in Action

Russia's approach to engaging its diaspora in Latvia operates on multiple levels:

Cultural Diplomacy

• Russian Centers: Promoting language, heritage, and values

• Orthodox Churches: Serving as community hubs and reinforcing traditional values

• Cultural Events: Festivals and commemorations that strengthen Russian identity

Media Influence

Russian state media outlets like Sputnik Latvia and Baltnews create content specifically for local Russian-speaking audiences. These platforms blend news with cultural programming, often emphasizing:

• Alleged discrimination against Russian speakers

• Critiques of NATO and Western policies

• Glorification of Russian historical achievements

Political Connections

Russia has maintained informal ties with political parties representing Russian-speaking interests, such as the Harmony Party, which has faced scrutiny over its connections to Moscow.

Financial Support

Grants and funding flow to diaspora organizations, supporting youth programs, veterans' associations, and cultural initiatives that reinforce identification with Russia.

Latvia Fights Back: Defending Sovereignty

Latvia hasn't remained passive in the face of these influence operations. The government has implemented a comprehensive strategy to protect its sovereignty while maintaining its democratic values:

Education Reforms

In 2018, Latvia mandated that all public secondary education gradually transition to Latvian language instruction. While controversial among Russian-speaking communities, this reform aims to strengthen social cohesion and reduce opportunities for external influence.

Media Regulation

Latvia has tightened oversight of foreign-funded organizations and banned several Russian state media outlets for spreading disinformation or hate speech. The National Electronic Mass Media Council actively monitors content and enforces broadcasting standards.

Civic Integration

Rather than pursuing exclusionary policies, Latvia has focused on building an inclusive civic identity. Programs emphasize:

• Latvian language acquisition

• Youth integration initiatives

• Intercultural dialogue

• Shared civic values over ethnic divisions

The Broader Implications

The Latvia case reveals several important trends in modern international relations:

The Blurring of Soft and Sharp Power

What starts as cultural diplomacy can quickly become a tool of political influence. Russia's approach demonstrates how cultural affinity can be weaponized for strategic ends.

Identity as a Geopolitical Weapon

In our interconnected world, traditional notions of sovereignty face new challenges. When foreign states can appeal directly to ethnic or cultural minorities, it complicates a nation's ability to maintain unified policies and narratives.

The Challenge for Democratic Societies

Latvia's response highlights the delicate balance democratic societies must strike between protecting national security and preserving liberal values. Too little action risks foreign manipulation; too much risks alienating minority communities.

Lessons for the Future

As tensions between Russia and the West continue, the Latvian experience offers valuable insights:

1. Early Recognition: Identifying influence operations early allows for more effective countermeasures

2. Inclusive Responses: Policies that promote integration rather than exclusion are more sustainable

3. Democratic Resilience: Strong institutions and media literacy help societies resist manipulation

4. International Cooperation: Coordinated responses among allies enhance effectiveness

Looking Ahead

The case of Latvia demonstrates that modern conflicts increasingly play out in the realm of identity and information rather than traditional military confrontation. As Russia continues to promote its vision of a transnational "Russian World," other countries with significant Russian-speaking populations will face similar challenges.

The key question for the future is whether democratic societies can develop effective responses to these hybrid influence operations while maintaining their core values of pluralism and inclusion. Latvia's ongoing experiment in civic nationalism and democratic resilience may provide a model for others facing similar challenges.

This analysis is based on academic research examining Russian transnational movements and their impact on host state sovereignty. As geopolitical tensions continue to evolve, understanding these dynamics becomes increasingly important for policymakers, analysts, and citizens alike.