Cultural diplomacy

Cultural diplomacy uses cultural exchange and institutions to build relationships and influence between societies. It can be conducted by governments, cultural organizations, or individuals.

Public diplomacy: A government’s communication and engagement with foreign publics to advance its interests and relationships. Cultural programs are one way states engage foreign publics beyond official negotiations.
Alliance française: A worldwide network of institutions that promotes French language and culture. Its language courses and cultural events extend French cultural presence abroad.
Cultural diplomacy during the Cold War: The use of cultural exchange and presentation by rival blocs during the Cold War. The superpowers made arts, education, and exhibitions instruments of ideological competition.
Public relations: The planned management of communication between an organization and its publics. Cultural diplomacy may build reputation, but it also depends on exchange and relationships.
Soft power: The ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion or payment. Cultural diplomacy can make a society’s values and institutions attractive abroad.
Goethe-Institut: Germany’s cultural institute, promoting German language and international cultural exchange. Its overseas centers host language teaching and cultural collaboration.
Jazz diplomacy: U.S. government-sponsored tours by jazz musicians during the Cold War. Tours presented American music abroad while countering criticism of racial segregation.
Traditional diplomacy: Official negotiation and representation between states, usually conducted by diplomats and governments. It centers on formal state-to-state dealings rather than cultural contact with societies.
People-to-people diplomacy: Relationship-building across national borders through direct contact among individuals and communities. Exchanges create personal ties that can persist beyond formal diplomatic encounters.
British Council: The United Kingdom’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities. It combines English-language teaching with arts and education partnerships.

Linked from 25 pages