# Weaponization of Passports: Tool of War & Diplomacy in Russia and Neighboring Nations

The presentation reviewed the history, evolution and development of the legal framework of Russia’s passportization policy towards Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova, spanning more than two decades. The session explored the similarities and differences in Russia’s methodological approaches and principles governing extraterritorial naturalization in annexed and occupied territories. The speaker discussed the strategies and mechanisms employed by the Russian Federation to enhance its foreign policy agenda in the “near abroad,” a term coined by Russia “when discussing its foreign policy toward the newly independent states.” The webinar included a comparative analysis of the national legislation and policies on cross-border naturalization/passportization vis-a-vis international law. Additionally, it showcased a list of examples demonstrating Russia’s use of passportization and naturalization processes as foreign policy tools, and the consequences of these practices.

- Kind: Talk
- Year: 2024
- Runtime: 59 min
- By: Fremer, Iana
- Genres: War
- Archive: [Library of Congress](https://www.loc.gov/item/video-9980/)
- Licence or status: Rights statement at the Library of Congress (as the archive states it)
- Credit: Library of Congress
- Who can watch: Teens profiles and older (the archive gives no rating; placed by Invisible Network from its collection and subjects)

[Watch now](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/watch/archive/loc/video-9980?play=1)