The "soft power" of railroads
The article represents a philosophical interpretation of transport systems in the «soft power» aspect. Transport and transport communications possess the «soft power» over natural, social and individual existence. Transport as a technical artifact posess the soft power in the extent that it is capable to provide the individual and society with power over space and time. Being the most important element of the economic infrastructure and the state policy instrument, transport systems serve as a necessary agent of the state «soft power». Considering the Russian Federation, development and modernization of means of communication, especially of the key element - the railroads - is an important resource of the «soft influence» as the railroads are capable to assert the Russian Federation as a world transport power and ensure Russia’s social, economic and tourist attractiveness. The modern «soft power» concept allows considering it as a tool for shaping the stakeholder’s positive image. JSC «Russian Railways» actively apply various resources for stimulation of consumer and professional prefe-rences. The speed, safety, comfort, environmental friendliness, social focus and cultural information resources can be considered as the most effective assets of the railroads soft influence. The efficient combination and application of all the «soft influence» tools remain a necessary condition of successful econo-mic competition, social and economic use and development of the territory and shaping a positive image of Russian railways.