HISPANOPHONY AS A RESOURCE OF SPANISH FOREIGN POLICY

Abstract

Aim. To study the establishment and development of Hispanophony and analyse its potential as a resource for shaping the foreign policy of Spain. Procedure and methods. Information provided by international consulting agencies and Spanish research institutions, as well as data gathered from Russian and Spanish scientific papers on the establishment of Hispanophony and its current state were generalised and examined. Results. The study revealed that the potential of Hispanophony has not been fully realized due to the lack of a unified strategic approach. However, the Government of Spain recognized the necessity to develop an integrated model promoting the Spanish language and culture during implementing its foreign policy. Theoretical/practical relevance. The paper identified problems and difficulties of the modern Hispanophone policy, as well as defined a number of areas in which Hispanophony can be used as a resource for promotion of political interests of Spain. Additionally, the formulated practical suggestions can be applied for elaborating the concept of Russophony.