The Russian Orthodox Church and the Protection of Christians as a Direction of Russia's Foreign Policy

Abstract

The Russian Orthodox Church has become a significant actor in Russia afterthe fall of the Soviet Union. This text is dedicated to its role in Russiaʼsforeign policy, specifically to the topic of the Russian interest in problemsand protection of Christians, which is one of the most essential parts of thecooperation between the state and the Church. Analyzing primary sources(state and Church documents), the author shows when and under whatcircumstances this topic became relevant to both actors, what role theRussian Orthodox Church played in this regard and how the topic ofprotecting Christians is used by the Russian regime today. The study showsthat the interest in protection of Christians did not arise simultaneously onboth sides and that it is connected mainly with situations where a threat forChristians is posed by unfriendly actors.