Between oft and hard power: The essence of public diplomacy as security tool

The article presents a theoretical and conceptual analysis of public diplomacy as a tool for safeguarding state security interests. Employing an actor-centred approach, the paper proposes the operationalization of public diplomacy functions within the security dimension and analyses the applicantactor's strategies in utilizing public diplomacy to address modern security challenges and protect its interests. The article structurally outlines the advantages and risks associated with various forms and practices of public diplomacy. It argues that in the context of the transformation of the global order and the intensification of hybrid warfare, public diplomacy should be regarded as a fully-fledged security tool used by actors to defend against external destructive influences and to engage in counteraction. This perspective provides grounds to view media diplomacy as an instrument of soft power and hard power.