The concept of the Russian World (Russ. russkiy mir) was first developed in 2006/07 and has grown increasingly popular since then. While it may initially have been a cultural concept that emphasised the socially binding force of the Russian language and Russian literature (there is an eponymous foundation that is dedicated to promoting Russian language and culture around the world), today it also serves to legitimize external actions aimed at strengthening Russia’s influence in the post-Soviet space.