Brief reflections on the anglo-saxon and french cultural approaches of the international relations field : from cultural diplomacy to soft power practices (original) (raw)
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IJASOS- International E-journal of Advances in Social Sciences
This study focuses on the theoretical analysis of the concepts of "cultural policy" and "cultural diplomacy". Adopting the UNESCO definition, we analyze important aspects of "cultural policy" and present relevant keypoints such as procedures, models and objectives of cultural policy. Cultural policy is determined according to various components, and in each case the existence of strategies for the implementation of the "cultural policy" is important. An efficiently designed cultural policy must have solid constitutional bases; it must always respect and comply with international declarations and conventions, as well. Of particular interest is how new diplomatic practices, more suitable to the contemporary international scene, emerged from national cultural policy making, leading to the development of cultural diplomacy. Starting from the 20th century, in the context of the exercise of cultural policy and cultural diplomacy at a national level, the cultural sector has been significantly upgraded, it has received a fundamental role in the relations of states and it has been officially included in the foreign policy structure. The concept of culture has formed the basis on which cultural policy and cultural diplomacy have been developed. In the context of (i) an overwhelming effervescence of interculturalism in the international arena and (ii) the growing importance of "soft power", culture suggests an excellent heritage for a state: culture can enhance the international presence of a state in a variety of fields, thus, upgrading accordingly its standing on the global cultural scene. Culture, cultural policy and cultural diplomacy are concepts closely related and interdependent. Culture has become one of the most basic foreign policy issues and its presence is indisputable in the formation of the global image of each state. In the following, we address in detail "cultural diplomacy" emphasizing on its nature, main objectives and expected benefits for states exercising it. Furthermore, we present and analyze how culture emerged to a collective social practice which is increasingly influential in international relations and is included in the priorities of the international agenda.
Reframing cultural diplomacy: the instrumentalization of culture under the soft power theory
Culture Unbound, 2016
Cultural diplomacy has grown in importance in recent years. But there is no consensus on the definition of this governmental strategy. This policy is commonly framed in the concept of soft power: the capacity of persuasion and attraction that allows the state to construct hegemony without using coercive methods. In this article we offer a critical analysis of this theory's limitations to explain this activity. To shed light on this situation we firstly propose a historical analysis of cultural diplomacy. Then, based on this study, we analyze the dominant methodological and conceptual articulation of soft power in cultural diplomacy literature. In this way, we clarify how the logical framework of soft power favors a specific and restrained conception of these policies, narrowing therefore its understanding and legitimating its economic and political instrumentalization.
The Power of Culture in Diplomacy: The Case of U.S. Cultural Diplomacy in France and Germany
Cultural diplomacy represents a facet of diplomacy that has not been utilized completely in building better diplomatic relations and, although it could serve as a linking bridge toward better relations, it has been underestimated, if not neglected. Foreign positive perceptions of the United States declined considerably especially during George W. Bush administration, as a result of various actions taken by the United States in the international arena that were unpopular. Anti- Americanism reached its peak in Europe because of the U.S. unilateral decision to proceed with the war in Iraq while the transatlantic rift between traditional partners such as the United States and the Franco-German Axis seemed irreparable. Increasing America’s soft power by more effective cultural diplomacy has seemed to be the only way to remedy U.S. negative perceptions since national image and perceptions are better managed through culture. American culture is not only prominent but it also contributes to U.S. attractiveness. U.S. world attractiveness is undoubtedly facilitated by the rapid spread of the English language as the international common language. But how is the power influence exerted by the U.S. culture and the English language (Anglophony) formulated in France and Germany? Is U.S. cultural diplomacy effective? This article, while it sets out to explore U.S. cultural diplomacy in France and Germany, also reflects on important aspects and challenges that culture in diplomacy faces.
Cultural Diplomacy in International Relations Theory and Studies on Diplomacy
ACTUAL PROBLEMS OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, 2016
This article analyses how the concept of cultural diplomacy has appeared in the theoretical debate on international relations and studies on diplomacy. As cultural diplomacy has long been present in the practice of diplomacy, it was examined primarily by its historians and practitioners. As a result, it was conceptualized and perceived mostly as an instrument with which states advance their interests and achieve political objectives. As far as theoretical perspective is considered, cultural diplomacy has appeared most of all in relation to the concept of «soft power». The goal of this paper is to present in a systematised way how this category has been present in the theoretical discourse. Furthermore, the article aims at determining whether the content of the concept has changed in response to processes and phenomena currently observed in international politics.
Cultural Diplomacy of France: Essence, Main Directions and Tools
Journal of Educational and Social Research, 2019
The article is devoted to the study of "cultural diplomacy" of France in recent history. The relevance of the topic is conditioned by the fact that states use new, non-leverage levers of influence more and more, striving to spread their values and culture in the world to expand and strengthen their presence in the international arena. The French Republic, in order to revive its former greatness, has accelerated the activities of its institutions over the past decades, which can be interpreted as the manifestations of "soft power" in general, and "cultural diplomacy" in particular. The increase of the French language, culture and history status among the population of Europe, America, Africa and the Middle East is becoming an increasing priority task of the state foreign policy. This, in particular, is evidenced by the statements of the French leadership, as well as the reforms carried out in internal structures to increase the effectiveness of its "cultural diplomacy" concept implementation. The authors of the article concluded that over the past ten years, France has not only stepped up and renewed its cultural and partnership relations around the world, but also opened up new opportunities for the dissemination of information and cooperation, adapting to the diverse expectations of the audience, taking into account, first of all, the factors of multilateral diplomacy and interculturalism. This, in its turn, makes it possible to expect the increase of France foreign policy potential in the international arena. The obtained results are consistent with the conclusions of a number of researchers and expand the existing ideas about the nature, the application of "cultural diplomacy" approaches and the specifics of its influence in the world. The reliability of the study is based on a wide range of published materials, and the obtained results make a significant contribution to knowledge expansion about this problem. At the end of the article, on the basis of France experience study, they determined the potential opportunities for the development of "cultural diplomacy" of Russia.
Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power: critical analysis and methodological application
RBPI, 2024
The increase in research of cultural issues in International Relations reveals that the interpretations of associated concepts present many dissonances, sometimes being used in an overlapping or mistaken way. This article focuses particularly on the concepts of cultural diplomacy and soft power and conducts a critical theoretical-methodological analysis of the contents and limits of each concept’s use. To this end, we recovered the definitions offered by the literature for the concepts, contextualizing them with the political-historical intentions around their creation and use, both in their origins and today. We analyzed problems in the application of the concepts, both regarding the agents involved in its practical application and the nature and selection of the content mobilized. To contribute methodologically to future work, we elaborated possible research structures linked to both concepts.
The Role of Cultural Diplomacy in International Relations
2017
The main objective of this study is to highlight the upgraded role of culture in the policy of each country participating in the modern international system. The contribution of culture in policy making strategies is particularly promoted by the development of cultural diplomacy, which plays an important role in current international relations. Cultural diplomacy is an instrument of crucial importance for the transmission of culture and national values. The main role of cultural diplomacy is to promote the trans-national dialogue between different cultures and nations, particularly between the West and the Muslim world. The motivation for this study has been the fact that over the last decades several events (for instance, modern wars that have been influenced by ethnic, cultural and religious beliefs) highlighted the emergence of the critical role of culture in modern international politics. In this study, emphasis is placed on the goals and aspirations of developing cultural diplo...
Cultural Diplomacy in International Relations
IJASOS- International E-journal of Advances in Social Sciences
The main objective of this study is to highlight the upgraded role of culture in the policy of each country participating in the modern international system. The contribution of culture in policy making strategies is particularly promoted by the development of cultural diplomacy, which plays an important role in current international relations. Cultural diplomacy is an instrument of crucial importance for the transmission of culture and national values. The main role of cultural diplomacy is to promote the trans-national dialogue between different cultures and nations, particularly between the West and the Muslim world. The motivation for this study has been the fact that over the last decades several events (for instance, modern wars that have been influenced by ethnic, cultural and religious beliefs) highlighted the emergence of the critical role of culture in modern international politics. In this study, emphasis is placed on the goals and aspirations of developing cultural diplomacy. Cultural diplomacy can be conveniently used as a flexible and universally accepted means of approaching countries with which diplomatic relations are tense or, sometimes, even non-existent. After World War II, the structure of international relations underwent significant changes and a growing tendency towards cultural disagreements was observed. In this context, it seems that culture has evolved to a powerful factor in the field of international relations, a factor of continuously increasing influence and importance. Modern developments in the field of international relations show that the 21st century will be a golden age for the further development of cultural diplomacy.
Cultural Policy, Cultural Diplomacy, Culture: Pillars of 'Soft Power
2018
This study focuses on the theoretical analysis of the concepts of “cultural policy” and “cultural diplomacy”. Adopting the UNESCO definition, we analyze important aspects of "cultural policy" and present relevant keypoints such as procedures, models and objectives of cultural policy. Cultural policy is determined according to various components, and in each case the existence of strategies for the implementation of the "cultural policy" is important. An efficiently designed cultural policy must have solid constitutional bases; it must always respect and comply with international declarations and conventions, as well. Of particular interest is how new diplomatic practices, more suitable to the contemporary international scene, emerged from national cultural policy making, leading to the development of cultural diplomacy. Starting from the 20th century, in the context of the exercise of cultural policy and cultural diplomacy at a national level, the cultural sector...
Cultural Diplomacy: The Case of France
HAPSc Policy Briefs Series
Cultural diplomacy has been evolved as a powerful and effective tool in order to ameliorate a country’s image to the international audience. Consequently, it gives the opportunity for countries to promote foreign policy’s goals and to achieve a standing in the international system. The present paper, after attempting to define the notion of cultural diplomacy, focuses on the case of France. In fact, some important actors that are part of the French cultural network are mentioned. In particular, actors related to the fields of language, education, cinema and media are explored in this policy brief. It is concluded that France has followed a successful cultural diplomacy policy that can inspire other countries.