What is Cultural Diplomacy?
"Cultural Diplomacy may best be described as a course of actions, which are based on and utilize the exchange of ideas, values, traditions and other aspects of culture or identity, whether to strengthen relationships, enhance socio-cultural cooperation or promote national interests; Cultural diplomacy can be practiced by either the public sector, private sector or civil society." ( ICD | Institute for Cultural Diplomacy)
Theoretical considerations about Cultural Diplomacy
The practice of Cultural Diplomacy, also known as "Diplomacy between Cultures," has existed for centuries. While it was once relegated to the periphery of the international relations discipline, cultural diplomacy has become a vibrant and innovative field of research, establishing itself as a stand-alone theory and practice.
Although the term "cultural diplomacy" is relatively new, evidence of its practice can be found throughout history. Explorers, travelers, traders, teachers, and artists can all be considered early "cultural diplomats" or "informal ambassadors," as their interactions with different cultures facilitated cultural exchange in fields such as art, sports, literature, music, science, business, and more.
Cultural Diplomacy in practice, or applied cultural diplomacy, refers to the application and implementation of the theory of cultural diplomacy, including all models that have been practiced throughout history by individuals, communities, states, or institutions. The aim is to facilitate and improve relations and collaboration between disparate cultures. Examples of such models include cultural exchange programs, international delegations, sports competitions, and more, which can affect intercultural and interfaith understanding and promote reconciliation.
The Importance of Cultural Diplomacy
In an increasingly globalized, interdependent world, cultural diplomacy is critical to fostering peace and stability throughout the world. Cultural diplomacy possesses the unique ability to influence the "Global Public Opinion" and the ideology of individuals, communities, cultures, or nations, which can accelerate the realization of the following five principles:. (*)
Although the term "cultural diplomacy" is relatively new, evidence of its practice can be found throughout history. Explorers, travelers, traders, teachers, and artists can all be considered early "cultural diplomats" or "informal ambassadors," as their interactions with different cultures facilitated cultural exchange in fields such as art, sports, literature, music, science, business, and more.
Cultural Diplomacy in practice, or applied cultural diplomacy, refers to the application and implementation of the theory of cultural diplomacy, including all models that have been practiced throughout history by individuals, communities, states, or institutions. The aim is to facilitate and improve relations and collaboration between disparate cultures. Examples of such models include cultural exchange programs, international delegations, sports competitions, and more, which can affect intercultural and interfaith understanding and promote reconciliation.
The Importance of Cultural Diplomacy
In an increasingly globalized, interdependent world, cultural diplomacy is critical to fostering peace and stability throughout the world. Cultural diplomacy possesses the unique ability to influence the "Global Public Opinion" and the ideology of individuals, communities, cultures, or nations, which can accelerate the realization of the following five principles:. (*)
- Cultural diplomacy can utilize every aspect of a nation's culture.
- Understanding the target audience is crucial to the success of cultural diplomacy efforts.
- Cultural diplomacy tools can be utilized by a range of stakeholders, including public institutions, academia, artists, intellectuals, enterprise and third sector organizations (TSOs), professionals, private citizens, expats, and political parties.
- Cultural diplomacy tools are generally produced by the culture itself (the stakeholders) rather than the government.
- The ultimate principle of global peace and stability can be achieved through cultural diplomacy efforts
Tools of Cultural Diplomacy
Cultural diplomacy tools include the arts, exhibitions, educational programs, scientific and artistic exchanges, literature, broadcasting, gifts to foreign nations, religious diplomacy, and promotion of social policies and ideas. These tools seek to bring understanding of a nation's culture to foreign audiences and work best when they are proven to be relevant to the target audience.
Above content is an extracted from http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org./index.php?en_culturaldiplomacy