Work

The Russian Orthodox Church Turns to the Global South: Recalibration of the Geopolitical Culture of the Church

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The Ukrainian parliament’s 2024 law banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) marks a significant conceptual and strategic recalibration of the Russian Orthodox Church’s (ROC) geopolitical culture. The framework of the “Russian world” project, which asserted a shared civilizational identity between Russia and its Orthodox neighbors, is increasingly untenable amidst the war with Ukraine and splits in the Orthodox world. In response, the ROC has pivoted towards global outreach, notably expanding into Africa. This move aligns with Russia’s broader geopolitical strategy, which frames Russia as a defender of multipolarity and traditional values against Western influence. However, the ROC’s attempt to adopt a global stance and reimagine itself as a universal church, rather than a pillar of the “Russian civilization”, faces ideological and geopolitical challenges, as explored in the paper.

Source: Religions

DOI: 10.3390/rel15121517

Author: Mikhail Suslov

Institution: University of Copenhagen

Language: English

Topic: Religion and Society Interactions

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,046