Russia has a long history of values diplomacy, and during the Tsarist era, it expanded its international influence by maintaining authoritarianism and protecting values such as the Slavic brothers. During the Soviet era, the values factor was significant in its foreign policy, such as the theory of world revolution, which had a profound impact on international relations in the 20th century. Contemporary Russia continues this tradition, with conservatism during the Putin era becoming the core of diplomacy, using political, cultural, and other value tools to gain support internationally, but also triggering international questioning and environmental degradation.

1、 Conservatism: The 'Spiritual Core' of Contemporary Russian Diplomacy

Conservatism holds an important position in Russian political thought, especially becoming the official ideology during the Putin era. After Putin took office, facing the economic and social problems left over from the Yeltsin era, he proposed the strategy of "great power rejuvenation", emphasizing the role of the state and returning to tradition. Putin's conservative values include patriotism, strong nationalism, nationalism, and social solidarity, opposing Western neoliberalism and emphasizing Russia's unique development path. Conservatism has a broad popular support in Russia, reflected in the people's desire for order and their admiration for patriarchal leaders. Putinism is a manifestation of conservatism at the civilizational level, emphasizing Russia's unique geopolitics and identity. Russian conservatism is a reflection on the tragedy of historical revolutions and the proliferation of Western liberalism, opposing political radicalism and Western liberalism, and emphasizing a return to Russian historical and cultural traditions. Conservatism in Russian diplomacy is manifested as a hollow shell of positions and values, lacking an endogenous political core.

2、 Russia's conservative values diplomacy

Russia actively promotes its conservative values on the international stage, enhancing its diplomatic influence through political, cultural, religious, racial, and identity politics. Putin and Russian political elites emphasize a conservative stance in international public discourse, oppose neoliberalism, and advocate for the preservation of national sovereignty and traditional values. The Russian Orthodox Church, unofficial institutions, and individuals also play an important role in promoting conservative values. Russia utilizes the religious narrative of Eastern Orthodoxy to emphasize its role as a defender of Eastern Orthodox believers, and promotes intellectual exchange through theological lectures, seminars, and other means. Russia has also established a traditional values system, opposing same-sex marriage and non-traditional families, defending traditional family values, and seeking like-minded allies in the international community. In addition, Russia advocates for coordinated cooperation among nations based on the values of all humanity, criticizes the disorderly competition caused by neoliberalism, and emphasizes that the capitalist model has come to an end. Russia's conservative values diplomacy also reflects its messianic consciousness, believing that it has a mission to save all humanity, which is particularly evident in Russia's involvement in European affairs and its attitude towards Central Asian countries.

3、 The Implementation Effect of Russia's Conservative Values Diplomacy

The rise of globalization and neoliberalism in the 1990s faced challenges from conservatism, especially after the 2008 financial crisis and the Syrian civil war. The rise of far right political parties in many European countries has led Russia to exploit internal value rifts in Western countries and exacerbate social divisions through conservative value diplomacy, creating space for its own policies. Russia actively promotes in international communication, influences political polarization in the United States, supports right-wing political parties in France, and gains political influence. At the same time, Russia has become a banner bearer of conservative theory, establishing connections with right-wing political parties in Europe and gaining support. In the Ukrainian crisis, some European right-wing forces supported Russian policies, and French right-wing political forces even copied Russia's narrative. The right-wing political parties in Italy also support a special relationship with Russia and oppose sanctions against Russia. Russia's conservative diplomatic strategy has achieved certain results on the international stage.

4、 Limitations of Russian Conservative Diplomacy

Deeply analyzed the limitations of Russia's conservative values diplomacy. Russia has inherited the historical tradition of values based diplomacy, providing theoretical legitimacy and practical support for its foreign policy by opposing conservative values of neoliberalism. However, this conservatism differs from traditional conservatism, and its theoretical origins and driving forces need further clarification. Russian conservatism may become a diplomatic tool, and its theoretical construction may only be designed to cater to the target country. Putin defines Russian identity as a unique type of civilization, but his imperial logic and denial of Ukraine contradict his advocacy of the principle of respecting national sovereignty. The side effects of Russian conservatism include reduced ethnic and religious inclusiveness, as well as high expectations for far right forces. The current development status of Russia in politics, economy, society, and other aspects cannot provide practical support for the system it advocates, and its conservative values diplomacy is also facing questioning and backlash internationally. The conflict between Russia-Ukraine conflict further exposed the contradiction of Russia's conservative value diplomacy, leading to the damage of its international image and the deterioration of the international environment.