The 2008 war between Russia and Georgia led to the lowest point in the two countries relationships in the post-Soviet history. In both countries the state and the Orthodox Church work closely...Show moreThe 2008 war between Russia and Georgia led to the lowest point in the two countries relationships in the post-Soviet history. In both countries the state and the Orthodox Church work closely together in a so-called symphony model. During and after the 2008 war the Orthodox churches of both countries remained loyal to the state by supporting the position of their state in the conflict, but at the same time condemning the bloodshed (of Orthodox Christians killing one another) and calling for peace. In this thesis the role the Orthodox Churches played in this conflict was analysed. This thesis argues that their influence was significant. Not only did the churches call for peace and maintain positive relations with each other, they also prevented alienation between citizens of the countries by asserting that it was wrong that Orthodox Christians were at war with one another. Together the churches were also the most important way in which diplomatic relations between the countries were maintained. Finally the influence of the Orthodox Church on all levels of government cannot be underestimated.Show less
By strengthening linkages with post-Soviet countries and by constructing a wide range of soft-power tools, Russia has tried to block Western influence in the post-Soviet space. The aim of this...Show moreBy strengthening linkages with post-Soviet countries and by constructing a wide range of soft-power tools, Russia has tried to block Western influence in the post-Soviet space. The aim of this thesis is to research how the Russian state and the Russian Orthodox Church are working together to create Orthodox linkages in the post-Soviet state of Moldova, and how they are using Orthodox concepts to promote an Orthodox identity.Show less
