Ethnic Aspect of the “Soft Power” Policy in the Implemetation of Geopolitical Projects in the Greater Mediterranean

Abstract

The article analyzes the ethnic aspects of the “soft power” policy in the implementation of geopolitical projects in the Greater Mediterranean. The concepts “project”, “political project”, “geopolitical project” are considered. The subjective aspect of geopolitical projects is highlighted. The possibility of using the ethnic component of the “soft power” policy in a constructive and destructive way is substantiated. The methodological possibilities of neorealism and constructivism in the study of ethnicity as a resource of “soft power” are considered. Based on the analysis of the French Mediterranean project, the Turkish Pan-Turkic project and the interaction of China with the countries of the Middle East, the key aspects of using the ethnic component as a resource of soft power policy in the implementation of geopolitical projects of regional and non-regional factors of international relations in the Greater Mediterranean are highlighted. The analysis of the French Mediterranean project as a geopolitical one is carried out. It is determined that the ethnic component of the soft power of France is mainly realized through the use of the language as one of the key markers of ethnic identity. The Turkish pan-Turkic project is analyzed. It is revealed that the most effective means of spreading Turkish influence in the Turkic space is to use the influence of the Turkish diaspora, promote the Turkish education system and popularize the Turkish language. The article reveals the importance of the Middle East for the implementation of major geopolitical projects in China. It is stated that in order to implement these projects, the Chinese language and Chinese culture in the Arab world are actively promoted; the lobbying potential of the Chinese diaspora is used as the ethnic components of China’s soft power.