Finno-Ugric civic diplomacy: theoretical, legal and practical aspects

Introduction. The article reveals the theoretical and legal aspects of Finno-Ugric civic diplomacy, under which the author understands the diplomacy of Finno-Ugric NGOs. The author examines the activities of the main actors in the sphere of public diplomacy among the Finno-Ugric NGOs of Hungary, Finland, Estonia, and the Russian Federation. The article considers the forms of cooperation between the institutions of civil society of the Finno-Ugric countries in such spheres as education, science, culture, branding, and tourism. The author also studies the activities of Finno-Ugric NGOs in the framework of United Nations mechanisms on the rights of indigenous peoples. Materials and Methods. The methodology of the research is based on a systematic approach that incorporates structural, formal, legal, historical and other methods of scientific cognition. The material was the research of international and Russian authors devoted to theoretical and practical aspects of civil (public) diplomacy, “soft power”, “people's diplomacy”. Examining Finno-Ugric aspect of civic diplomacy directly, the author examined the works of Finno-Ugric scholars on the Finno-Ugric peoples. Results and Discussion. In the modern world, civic organizations are more and more often are the initiators and conductors of public dialogue in the international arena. In this regard, the role of civil society institutions in matters of international cooperation is increasing at times. Given the diversity of positions, the author gives the following definition of public diplomacy: it is the informal activity of individuals and legal entities (NGOs) aimed at developing cooperation between civil society institutions, peoples and states. Accordingly, Finno-Ugric civic diplomacy is the activity of individuals and legal entities (NGOs) aimed at developing cooperation between Finno-Ugric NGOs, peoples and states. Conclusion. The author comes to the conclusion that Finno-Ugric non-governmental organizations lay a solid foundation for international cooperation of citizens, legal entities, and the development of inter-state relations of the Finno-Ugric countries (bilateral, multilateral cooperation).