| Summary/Abstract |
U.S.-Russia tensions have been on the rise for years. This article attempts
to examine them through the lens of the clash between two different world
order paradigms. While Russia advocates multipolarity as the next step away from unipolarity, the U.S. presses for a “rules-based order built after WWII
with the American singular leadership.” The author argues that one of the
most powerful public diplomacy instruments in terms of promoting the
U.S.-centric paradigm of the world order is blockbusters, referred to herein
as “popcorn diplomacy.” The paper offers an insight into how Hollywood
movies are linked with Washington’s narrative of the world order. Using the
method of the popular geopolitics theory and applying content analysis to
several U.S. blockbusters, the author identifies certain techniques that help
advance the American perception of the world and mold public opinion to
the benefit of U.S. national interests. In conclusion, the article examines
the risks and opportunities this policy poses to Russia.
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