Cultural Intelligence – a New Paradigm of International Relations (original) (raw)

The main goal of the present study is to provide a synthetic and personal perspective on some recent approaches to culture in contemporary society and the role of the humanities in higher education. The complex field of international relations can be more accurately and thoroughly analyzed from a cultural paradigm which provides continuity, coherence, authenticity, identity and long-lasting value. Culture is also able to significantly enhance the economic or political influence of a nation, representing not only the nucleus of a society but also acting as a fundamental pillar of public diplomacy. Cultural exchanges – endorsed by an informed understanding of the language, culture and civilization of a nation – provide the foundation for successful cooperation in any international exchange. Intercultural competence, as both an innate or acquired skill, is an important vector of cultural diplomacy or “diplomacy between cultures”.