icd - institute for cultural diplomacy
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icd YOUNG The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy LEADERS FORUMS Young Leaders Forums Table of Contents
Welcome to the ICD Young Leaders Forums ...... 5
About the Weeklong Seminars ...... 7
Seminar Methodology...... 7
Networking, Social and Cultural Activities...... 8
Summer Events 2012...... 9
About the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy ...... 11
ICD´s Philosophy...... 11
ICD´s Role & Mission...... 12
ICD Initiatives - “What we stand for”...... 12
ICD´s Methodology & Activity...... 12
ICD Achievements in the Field of Cultural Diplomacy...... 13
What is Cultural Diplomacy? ...... 18
Definition...... 18
History...... 18
Cultural Diplomacy in Practice...... 19
The Importance of Cultural Diplomacy ...... 19
Cultural Diplomacy in the Private Sector...... 20
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Statement about Cultural Diplomacy by the President of the ICD Young Leaders Forums, the Hon. Yasar Yakis Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey
There is not yet a universally recognised definition of cultural diplomacy. The concept has existed for many, years but did not become an independent discipline of its own until relatively recently.
Countries are naturally inclined to regard cultural diplo- macy as a means to export their culture to other coun- tries. As a result of this, the initial definitions of cultural diplomacy gave priority to the idea of exporting the cultural values of one country to another, rather than engaging in a cultural interaction.
For the purposes of this piece, I define cultural diplomacy as the pursuit of better mutual under- standing with the aim of eliminating differences of perceptions between nations or as a means to support foreign policy with activities in cultural areas. In this sense it differs from the exercise of exporting the values from one country to another. In order for cultural diplomacy to be effective, it should be an exercise of give and take and not a one way street. The goal is not to prove that one culture is superior to the other, but rather to understand that certain concepts are perceived in a different manner in other cultures. This awareness may help avoid misunderstandings in the practice of international relations. This is all the more poignant if two cultures do not find simi- larities in one another, here cultural diplomacy can help them to appreciate their diversity, rather than use it as a point of estrangement. Unlike classical diplomacy and economic relations, cultural diplomacy comes to fruition over a longer span of time, as it has to be recognised by the peop- le. Once a cultural exchange is fully accepted into the mentality of a people, it embeds itself and becomes part of the culture of the recipient person or society.
Democracy and fundamental rights and freedoms, are some of the most universally accepted va- lues within the international community. However there are differences regarding the scope of ac- ceptance of these fundamental values in various cultures. Nations, like societies and communities cannot be easily coerced into embracing values that do not naturally align with their own culture. If we can make cultural diplomacy an interaction by balancing previously unequal relations, these fundamental rights, freedoms and democracy may seem less like a cultural imposition.
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The internet and other developments in the field of telecommunications have facilitated the in- teraction between countries and individuals. These advances have meant that cultural diplomacy has become important in contemporary relations, because the contacts between the members of different cultures have become much more intensified in the present globalized world.
While classical diplomacy, that is to say political relations among countries, is handled almost exclusively by the State and economic relations are conducted mainly by economic actors, cultural diplomacy requires the involvement of multiple actors from various section of society. This inclu- des; higher education institutions, NGOs, trade unions, political parties, tourism agents, sports- men, artists and professional associations. Cultural materials such as books, films and songs are also used as means of cultural diplomacy, but for them to be effective they should not besmirch the values of the other cultures.
Countries that embark upon the exercise to expand the values of their own society to the societies of other countries should ensure that these values are fully respected and upheld at home, before they are exported. The values of a society that are seen to be poor representations are unlikely to be accepted easily by others. Perception is as important as reality; a set of values that may be the best suited for a community may not be adopted if it is perceived as unfit by the members of a target society.
The Institute of Cultural Diplomacy works towards combatting the dangers of misperception and misunderstanding through cultural exchange and dialogue. By conducting extensive research in a unique field, it has established itself as an exceptional forum to discuss the various components of cultural diplomacy. The institute dedicates itself to the pursuit of peaceful international cohabita- tion through this ever evolving arm of soft power.
Yasar Yakis
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Welcome to the ICD Young Leaders Forums
The ICD Young Leaders Forums are international networks of like-minded individuals with an interest in developing, supporting and sustaining intercultural relations. The first Young Leaders Forum was developed in 2003 and we have since developed and launched a variety of different bilateral and multilateral Forums that focus on a diverse range of relationships across the world. Over the past decade the ICD Young Leaders Forum has grown to become one of Europe’s largest independent cultural exchange organizations, hosting programs that facilitate interaction among individuals of all cultural, academic, and professional backgrounds, from across the world.
We have developed these Forums to provide a platform for the next generation of leaders to ex- plore the potential of organized cultural exchange in the international environment and to use the networks they become part of to organize their own leadership initiatives. Through the sustaina- ble networks that are created, the Young Leader participants are able to have a significant impact in enhancing and sustaining the international relations.
The program serves as a platform and resource than empowers each of the young leaders to strengthen their careers and support their individual projects and initiatives that take place after the weeklong seminar has been completed.
The Aims of the Forums Are: • To foster an international network of likeminded individuals who have an interest in supporting and strengthening intercultural relations between the countries and cultures in focus. • To give Forum members a greater awareness of the history, development, and future of the field of cultural diplomacy and its application to the bilateral or multilateral relationship in focus. • To offer Forum members access to a range of informed perspectives and insights on cultural, political, and economic issues in the relationship or region in focus. • To support ongoing activity and projects, in particular leadership initiatives, by Forum members, that will have a significant positive impact at either the local, national or international level of the countries and communities where the participants are most interested
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How do I join a Forum? You can join a Forum by taking part in a Weeklong Seminar. The seminar serves as the entry part into the Young Leaders program. During the seminar, participants will meet other young leaders from around the world and participate in a full curriculum throughout the week.
Forums List The ICD runs the following Young Leaders Forums:
Europe
• Cultural Diplomacy in Europe www.icd-europe.org • The United States Meets Europe www.icd-usame.org • Europe Meets Latin America www.icd-emla.org • Europe Meets Russia www.icd-emr.org • Ireland Meets Israel & Palestine www.eu-palestine-israel.org
Germany
• Cultural Bridges in Germany www.kulturbruecken.de • Italy Meets Germany www.icd-img.org • The UK Meets Germany www.ukmeetsgermany.org • Canada Meets Germany www.canadameetsgermany.org • Germany Meets Turkey www.germanymeetsturkey.org • Germany meets Slovenia www.germanymeetsslovenia.org • Germany Meets Greece www.icd-gmg.org • Germany Meets Morocco www.icd-gmm.org
Africa & Asia
• Cultural Diplomacy in Africa www.icd-africa.org • Cultural Diplomacy in East Asia www.icd-cdea.org
Thematic Forums
• Cultural Diplomacy in the Global Economy www.icd-cdec.org • Art as Cultural Diplomacy www.icd-artasculturaldiplomacy.org
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About the Weeklong Seminars Every 4-6 months the ICD will organize a Weeklong Seminar, which offers individuals the opportu- nity to join the ICD YL relevant Forum by participating in a 5-day program.
The Weeklong Seminars are international and interdisciplinary gathering of young professionals and students from across the world. The seminar provides an excellent opportunity for young people to expand their knowledge of current and future developments in these fields, meet with current and former key players and build sustainable networks with each other.
The program will consist of speeches, panel discussions and seminars held by leading figures from the fields of politics, economics, diplomacy, academia, civil society, and the private sector. Spea- kers will offer a range of perspectives on current and conceptual issues in the development of cultural policy and arts administration within an international context, and the current and future potential of the arts as a diplomatic tool.
In addition to the academic components, participants will take part in a range of social and cultu- ral activities. These activities will include group dinners and drinks, trips to artistic performances, concerts, and literary readings, and visits to important cultural and artistic landmarks.
Certificate of Attendance - All weeklong seminar participants will be awarded an official certi- ficate of attendance upon completion of the program, which will provide details of the speakers who took part and the topics discussed. Each certificate will be signed by members of the ICD‘s Advisory Board (The ICD Advisory Board list can be found (here).
Seminar Methodology The Weeklong Seminars are weeklong inter-disciplinary programs that including the fol- lowing components:
Lectures & Discussions - A range of lectures will be held by experts from the fields of politics, economics, diplomacy, academia, civil society, and the private sector. These components will in- form the participants about key perspectives related to the themes of the Weeklong Seminar, raise their awareness of other salient issues and introduce them to the field of cultural diplomacy. Each lecture will be followed by a question and answer session with the speaker.
Workshops & Role play - The timetable of each Weeklong Seminar will include interactive workshops that offer participants the opportunity to take part in structured discussions on sub- jects related to the Seminar themes. Workshops provide a valuable counterbalance to lectures by providing an opportunity for participants to express their own opinions and learn from each other.
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Round Table Interactive Discussions and Debates - These discussions offer a more intimate setting for speakers and participants to converse and debate openly. They also allow the partici- pants to interact more directly with the speakers and their fellow participants in a more neutral, equal, and interactive manner. Not only are participants able to pose questions to the speakers and experts in these discussions, but the speakers also pose questions to the participants, all while enjoying a more comfortable, informal, and interactive setting.
Group Visits - During the ICD events, participants are able to see the cities from a different per- spective.
Leadership Initiatives - Leadership initiatives are cultural exchange initiatives organized by mem- bers of ICD Forums with the support of the ICD. These initiatives are the foundation of the ICD’s work, because they allow the principles of cultural diplomacy to be spread beyond the members of the Forum. At the beginning of the Weeklong Seminar participants will be given guidance on how to plan, develop, and execute leadership initiatives that have a constructive, sustainable influence on intercultural relations. The participants will then have the opportunity to present their projects to the group at the end of the weeklong seminar. In addition, the ICD will outline how it can help to support the realization of these initiatives through its network and resources.
Networking, Social and Cultural Activities Each Weeklong Seminar will include social and cultural activities for the participants. These com- ponents give participants the opportunity to see a different side to the cities, help to provide a more informal environment for the participants to get to know each other, and allow the partici- pants to see cultural exchange initiatives that are already being organized. The ICD offers an ex- pansive social agenda including: interactive panel discussions, roundtable discussions, workshops, debates, parties, film nights, conference concerts, embassy receptions, group dinners, and visits to cultural and historical sites:
Interactive Panel Discussions - Interactive Panel Discussions allow the participants to directly interact with the speakers, while simultaneously benefitting from the direct interactions between the speakers and participants themselves, thus enhancing an overall academic atmosphere.
Embassy Receptions - The ICD partners with embassies for every conference in order to offer evening receptions as well as lectures and events during the day. These receptions are held at vari- ous embassies, and offer the opportunity to network with foreign diplomats. Participants are able to fully immerse themselves in the culture of the host embassy through the traditional song and dance performances, traditional cuisine, and a uniquely international atmosphere.
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Film Nights - In addition to running a weekly Film Night the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy often invites representatives of the film industry to participate in events. These individuals are then able to share their expertise and productions with the audience. It is through these Film Nights which the participants are able to visually and acoustically experience the cultures of others.
Conference Concerts - Conference Concerts are a way for participants to experience the culture and art of foreign countries. In the past, the ICD has sponsored world-renowned performers who have shared their artistic mediums and talents with the audience. These concerts vary in nature, and include: traditional dance, interpretive dance, violin concerts, choir performances, piano con- certos, symphonies, hip hop and jazz performances, and more.
Group Dinners - Conference participants are able to dine with fellow participants and speakers at a wide assortment of restaurants, where they are exposed to new and exotic cuisines, inclu- ding: German, British, Greek, French, Russian, Italian, Oriental, Baltic, African, Indian, Turkish, Latin American, Spanish, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and more.
Summer Events 2012
Cultural Diplomacy in the Global Economy: Berlin, June 17th - 22nd, 2012 A Forum for Young Leaders (CDEC) USA Meets Europe: A Forum for Young Leaders (USAME) Washington D.C., June 26th - 30th, 2012 The ICD Academy for Cultural Diplomacy- July Session Berlin, July 9th - 13th, 2012 Cultural Diplomacy in Europe: A Forum for Young Leaders (CDE) Vienna, July 17th - 20th, 2012 Cultural Diplomacy in Africa: A Forum for Young Leaders (CDA) Berlin, July 23rd - 28th, 2012 Europe Meets Latin America: A Forum for Young Leaders (EMLA) Berlin, July 31st - August 3rd, 2012 The Europe Meets Russia Conference: A Forum for Young Leaders (EMR) Brussels, August 7th - 10th, 2012 UK Meets Germany: A Forum for Young Leaders (UKMG) London, August 23rd - 27th, 2012 Art as Cultural Diplomacy: A Forum for Young Leaders (ACD) London, August 23rd - 27th, 2012 UK Meets France: A Forum for Young Leaders (UKMF) London, August 23rd - 27th, 2012 Cultural Bridges in Germany: A Forum for Young Leaders (CBG) Berlin, August 27th - 31st, 2012 Germany Meets Morocco: A Forum for Young Leaders (GMM) Berlin, August 27th - 31st, 2012 Germany Meets Turkey: A Forum for Young Leaders (GMT) Berlin, August 27th - 31st, 2012 The Europe Meets China Conference: A Forum for Young Leaders (EMC) Berlin, September 4th - 7th, 2012 Cultural Diplomacy in Europe: A Forum for Young Leaders (CDE) Helsinki, September 11th - 14th, 2012 Italy Meets Germany: A Forum for Young Leaders (IMG) Berlin, September 17th - 20th, 2012 Germany Meets Greece: A Forum for Young Leaders (GMG) Berlin, September 17th - 20th, 2012 Ireland Meets Israel & Palestine: A Forum for Young Leaders (IMIP) Dublin, September 24th - 27th, 2012 The ICD Young Leaders Forum Annual Conference 2012 Berlin, December 14th - 19th, 2012
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About the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy is an international, not-for-profit, non-governmental organi- zation with headquarters in Berlin, Germany. The ICD´s ultimate goal is to promote global peace and stability by strengthening and supporting intercultural relations at all levels. Over the past de- cade the ICD has grown to become one of Europe’s largest independent cultural exchange orga- nizations, hosting programs that facilitate interaction among individuals of all cultural, academic, and professional backgrounds, from across the world.
ICD´s Philosophy The ICD understands that in an increasingly globalized world, in which people are able to travel and exchange information faster than ever before, there is a growing interdependency between nations. As a result, successful inter-cultural interaction will undoubtedly become a major challen- ge for international relations in the 21st century.
The ICD believes that inter- and intra-cultural relations can be strengthened and maintained through dialogue. This, in turn, leads to a better understanding and greater trust between cultu- res, prevent misunderstanding, improve communication and cooperation and help to reduce the likelihood of socio-cultural conflicts.
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ICD´s Role & Mission The major objectives of the ICD are to extend current research, programs and practices in the field of cultural diplomacy and create a platform to promote and sustain inter-cultural dialogue at all levels. The ICD sees the role of researching, promoting and developing the field of cultural diplo- macy as an integral part of its mission.
ICD Initiatives - “What we stand for” The ICD is deeply committed to implementing basic standards for human rights throughout the world in an effort to contribute to global peace and stability. In light of this goal, we have laun- ched the initiatives below. While the ICD generally maintains an objective position regarding politics, these initiatives stake a clear liberal position on the issues they address, serving as an im- portant reminder that any form of diplomacy must be rooted in fundamental principles of justice in order to effectively inspire and implement change. Please find details on the ICD’s initiatives below:
• The ICD Initiative on „the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide“ • The ICD Women‘s Rights Initiative • The ICD‘s Advocates Abroad Initiative • The ICD Initiative on Freedom of Expression • The ICD International Work Place Initiative • “Corporate Cultural Diplomacy Initiative” (CCD)
ICD´s Methodology & Activity The ICD‘s activity is divided into three main areas: running programs, promoting initiatives and conducting research.
To further promote the field of cultural diplomacy the ICD organizes programs that aim to de- velop the participants‘ awareness and understanding of the practice of cultural diplomacy. The aim of the ICD‘s programs is to impress upon participants the value of cultural diplomacy, and to encourage and support them to explore the field further and subsequently to initiate independent projects. The aim is for our programs to create a ripple effect, the influence of which extends far beyond what is traditionally achieved in a single event.
As relatively little research has been conducted in the field of cultural diplomacy, the ICD actively encourages and supports cultural diplomacy as an academic discipline and as a more widely accepted tool in the practice of foreign policy. Development of the field is important because it allows us to better optimize the programs and initiatives currently in existence, and allows us to make predictions for the future.
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The final element of the ICD‘s work is to consider new initiatives and opportunities for the field that have not previously been explored. We feel it is important as an institution to explore new opportunities and to push the boundaries of what we understand as cultural diplomacy.
As well as promoting cultural diplomacy through its own initiatives, the ICD also promotes cultural diplomacy by actively supporting the work that is already being done in this area by communica- ting with, partnering, and publishing material by other actors in the field.
ICD Achievements in the Field of Cultural Diplomacy Cultural Diplomacy as a Recognized Academic Field - The ICD has created and launched the first ever Master of the Arts program in „International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy“ in partnership with the Dubrovnik International University. Students from around the world can now learn about cultural diplomacy in the academic context and then apply cultural diplomacy in their careers in the future. The Master‘s Degree is an important step in ICD‘s goal of establishing the field of cultural diplomacy in academia permanently.
Raising Awareness about Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power - The ICD has been bringing people together through global programs and cultural exchange since 1999. Over the last three years, in particular, the ICD has worked consistently to initiate dialogue with the broadest possi- ble audience, engaging all ages of individuals, in all sectors of society from all the corners of the world. In over 120 week-long seminars and over 50 International Conferences, the topic of cultu- ral diplomacy has been explored and discussed in all of its various elements. Tens of thousands of participants have attended over 500 events, which range from formal and informal discussions, cultural evenings, academic lectures and embassy receptions.
Engaging Politicians and Hard Power Authorities with Cultural Diplomacy - Through its on-going activity, the ICD has maintained a space to address politics and culture, face to face. An important target audience for the ICD is decision makers, politicians and practitioners of both hard and soft power. By engaging these decision makers and politicians in discourse one is able to both learn from them and in time influence them to rethink their strategies in light of cultural diplomacy and soft power strategies.
Engaging High Profile Individuals with Cultural Diplomacy - The ICD has already hosted more than 2000 high-profile speakers from international politics, International Organizations, civil society, academics, journalists, artists and representatives of the private sector. By facilitating this cross-cultural exchange of ideas with these high-profile individuals, the ICD has been able to ins- pire and engage many discussions and exchanges between individuals that would normally never come into contact. The ICD is able to have a sustainable impact on societies at large through the multiplier effect of engaging these global leaders.
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Engaging the Younger Generation with Cultural Diplomacy - Through the ICD programs for young leaders and young professionals, through our engagement of students around the world, and through the many volunteers and interns that have engaged in the work of the ICD over the years, the ICD has generated a network of thousands of young professionals and individuals from around the world. We continue to promote the knowledge of cultural diplomacy through online forums and research as well as through these interactive meetings with the younger and the more senior generations.
ICD´s Research and Publications - There has been a tremendous need in the field of cultural diplomacy for years for more research, especially regarding international practices of cultural dip- lomacy. Therefore at the core of ICD´s work is our research and publications in the area of cultural diplomacy, which offer viable examples, alternatives and supplements to enhance the traditional research in the field of diplomacy, cultural diplomacy and international relations as a whole. This research benefits those engaged in both the theory and practice of diplomacy, including: acade- mics, practitioners, individuals, communities, and organizations at the local, national, regional, and global level.
The ICD has taken initiative to promote further research in the field of cultural diplomacy through our cultural diplomacy research program, where we have created a comprehensive body of re- search available to the greater public including the following initiatives:
• Regular reporting on all of the cultural diplomacy initiatives and engagement in the world both that developed in the past, and that currently being practiced • Conducting hundreds of written and video interviews with experts in the theory and practice of cultural diplomacy to learn about the latest developments and most cutting edge practices and perspectives in the field • Conducting research in the field of intercultural exchange at a local, national, and international levels • Publications, articles and books in the field of cultural diplomacy • Creating, developing and improving models and vehicles of cultural diplomacy through the development of our programs such as Art as Cultural Diplomacy, Music as Cultural Diplomacy, Sports as Cultural Diplomacy, Religion and Cultural Diplomacy and beyond
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Leadership & Advisory Board The Hon. Dr. Alfredo Palacio President & Chairman of the ICD Advisory Board The Hon. Dr. Emil Constantinescu President of the ICD Academy for Cultural Diplomacy The Hon. Janez Janša President, the ICD Human Rights Program The Hon. Dr. Vasile Puscas President of The ICD Global Development Program The Hon. Dr. Solomon Passy President, the Atlantic Club of Bulgaria (ICD Bulgaria Branch Office) The Hon. Yasar Yakis President of the ICD Young Leaders Forums The Hon. Erna Hennicot Schoepges Vice Chairman of the ICD Advisory Board Mark C. Donfried Executive Director & Founder Prof. Dr. Karl P. Donfried Director of Studies - The ICD Academy for Cultural Diplomacy Amb. Prof. Dr. Cynthia P. Schneider Director - Cultural Diplomacy Research & Practice Prof. Dr. Ulrich Brückner Director, Member of the ICD Vorstand Riman Vilnius ICD International - Head of Program Development Kathy E. Donfried Representative, ICD USA Rosie Vilnius ICD International - Head of Communication
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ICD Advisory Board Members The Hon. Akua Sena Dansua Minister for Tourism of Ghana The Hon. Senator Alan Ferguson The 22nd President of the Australian Senate The Hon. Dr. Alfredo Palacio Former President of Ecuador The Hon. Dr. Alfred Sant Former Prime Minister of Malta The Hon. Dr. Ali Ahmad Jalali Former Interior Minister of Afghanistan The Hon. Ana Trisic Babic Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia & Herzegovina Prof. Dr. Anthony Giddens Former Director of the London School of Economics (Baron Giddens of Southgate) The Hon. Bertie Ahern Former Prime Minister of Ireland The Hon. Bill Cash (MP) Member of the British Parliament The Hon. Cassam Uteem Former President of the Republic of Mauritius Lieutenant General (Ret.) Former Director - Command, Control, and Communications, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, US Clarence McKnight Army The Hon. Cletus A. Sieh Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Liberia Distinguished Professor in the Practice of Diplomacy, Georgetown University; 61st Amb. Dr. Cynthia P. Schneider Ambassador of the USA to the Netherlands H. E. Amb. Delia Domingo-Albert Former Foreign Minister of the Philippines; Ambassador of the Philippines to Germany The Hon. Dr. Emil Constantinescu Former President of Romania Vice Chairman of the Democratic Party of China; Member of the Legislative Council of The Hon. Emily Lau Hong Kong The Hon. Dr. Erkki Tuomioja Foreign Minister of Finland The Hon. Erna Hennicot Schoepges Former Luxembourgian Minister of Culture and Religious Affairs The Hon. Dr. Erhard Busek Former Vice-Chancellor of Austria, Former Minister for Education & Cultural Affairs Dr. Gerhard Prätorius Head of Coordination CSR and Sustainability, Volkswagen AG The Hon. Ints Dalderis Former Minister of Culture of the Republic of Latvia The Hon. Dr. Ioannis Kasoulides Former Foreign Minister of Cyprus The Hon. Lord Jack McConnell Former First Minister of Scotland The Hon. Dr. Jacques F. Poos Former Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg; Minister of Foreign Affairs The Hon. Lieutenant General (Ret.) Former US Secretary of Veterans Affairs; Former Surgeon General of the US Army; Senior James B. Peake, M.D. Vice President, CGI Federal Former United States Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security; Former Commandant of the The Hon. Admiral James Milton Loy Coast Guard The Hon. Sir James R. Mancham Former President of the Republic of Seychelles The Hon. Janez Jansa Former Prime minister of Slovenia; President of the Slovenian Democratic Party Rear Admiral Dr. Joyce M. Johnson Rear Admiral (Ret.) U.S. Public Health Service; Vice President Health Sciences, Battelle Elizabeth A. Woodson Professor Emeritus of Religion and Biblical Literature, Smith College Prof. Dr. Karl P. Donfried USA Senior Fellow at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs and Head of the Prof. Dr. Katherine Marshall Center‘s Program on Religion & Global Development, Georgetown University
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Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy at NATO; Former Foreign Minister of H. E. Amb. Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic Croatia; Former Ambassador of Croatia to the USA Kristiina Ojuland (MEP) Former Foreign Minister of Estonia The Hon. Senator Larry Lee Pressler Former US Senator from South Dakota The Hon. Dr. Louis Wade Sullivan Former US Secretary of Health and Human Services The Hon. Luc van den Brande Former Minister-President of Flanders-Belgium The Hon. Marcia Barrett Lead Singer of Boney M The Hon. Marina Pendes Deputy Minister of Defense of Bosnia-Herzegovina The Hon. Michael Chertoff Former United States Secretary of Homeland Security The Hon. Mirko Tomassoni Former Captain Regent of San Marino The Hon. Dr. Nazar Al Baharna Former Foreign Minister of Bahrain The Hon. Nouzha Skalli Moroccan Minister of Social Development, Family, and Solidarity H. E. Amb. Paula Dobriansky Former Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs The Hon. Rexhep Meidani Former President of Albania The Hon. Robert John Walter Member of the British Parliament The Hon. Selmo Cikotić Minister of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina The Hon. Dr. Solomon Isaac Passy Former Foreign Minister of Bulgaria The Hon. Theodoros Pangalos Deputy Prime Minister of Greece The Hon. Senator Tim Hutchinson Former United States Senator from Arkansas The Hon. Dr. Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga Former President of Latvia The Hon. Dr. Vasile Puşcaş Former Romanian Minister for European Affairs The Hon. Victoria Saidu Kamara Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Sierra Leone The Hon. Yasar Yakis Former Foreign Minister of Turkey The Hon. Yves Leterme Former Prime Minister of Belgium The Hon. Dr. Zvonimir Paul Former Minister of Justice of Croatia Separovic
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What is Cultural Diplomacy? Definition The American political scientist and author Dr. Milton C. Cummings offers a profound definition of cultural diplomacy as: “the exchange of ideas, information, values, systems, traditions, beliefs, and other aspects of culture, with the intention of fostering mutual understanding.”
Cultural diplomacy may therefore best be described as the initiation or facilitation of the exchange of ideas, values, traditions and other aspects of culture or identity, whether they promote national interests, build relationships or enhance socio-cultural understan- ding.
History No longer relegated to the periphery of the international relations discipline, cultural diplomacy today is a vibrant and innovative field of research and has successfully established itself as a stand- alone theory and practice.
Whilst the term “cultural diplomacy” has only recently been established, evidence of its practice can be seen throughout history and has existed for centuries. Explorers, travelers, traders, teachers and artists can be all considered living examples of informal ambassadors or early cultural dip- lomats (for example, the establishment of regular trade routes enables a frequent exchange of information and cultural gifts between traders and government representatives).
Such deliberate efforts of cultural exchange can be identified as early examples of cultural diplo- macy. Indeed, any person who interacts with different cultures, (in the past or currently), facilitates a form of cultural exchange, which can take place in fields such as art, sports, literature, music, science, business and economy and beyond. Through the interaction of peoples, the exchange of language, religion, ideas, arts and societal structures have consistently improved relations between divergent groups.
These interactions, while not always been conscious, have often been the result of adversity, displacement, forced migration, slavery, conflict and state-sponsored expansion, and have often resulted in forced assimilation. Cultural diplomacy recognizes the tragedy of these events while articulating their influence in shaping contemporary societies.
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Cultural Diplomacy in Practice Cultural diplomacy in practice is the application and implementation of the theory of cultural diplomacy, including all models (successful or not) that have been practiced throughout history by individual, community, state or institutional actors in order to facilitate and improve relations between disparate cultures. These models include for example cultural exchange programs, inter- national delegations (e.g., American jazz ambassadors) and sports competitions. The examples are uniquely able to affect intercultural and interfaith understanding and promote reconciliation.
The Importance of Cultural Diplomacy In an increasingly globalized, interdependent world, in which the proliferation of mass commu- nication technology ensures we all have greater access to each other than ever before - cultural diplomacy is critical to fostering peace & stability throughout the world. Cultural diplomacy, when learned and applied at all levels, possesses the unique ability to influence the Global Public Opini- on and ideology of individuals, communities, cultures or nations, which can accelerate the reali- zation of the five principles below. By accomplishing the first principle, one enables the second, which in turn enables the third until the fifth ultimate principle of global peace and stability is achieved.
The five principles are:
• Respect and Recognition of Cultural Diversity & Heritage • Global Intercultural Dialogue • Justice, Equality & Interdependence • The Protection of International Human Rights • Global Peace & Stability • Cultural Diplomacy & the Public Sector
Two broad approaches to conducting regional and international relations can be distinguished; that of ‘hard power’ and ‘soft power’. The political scientist Dr. Joseph S. Nye has made the re- nowned distinction between the two, describing ‘soft power’ as:
“The ability to persuade through culture, values and ideas, as opposed to ‘hard power’, which conquers or coerces through military might”.
Whilst the ‘hard power’ approach has historically been a favored policy of governments in con- ducting international and regional relations, the increasingly interconnected world stage highlights the need for co-operation on a new level. This is where the role of Soft Power as a form of cultu- ral diplomacy becomes significant. On this basis, cultural diplomacy is not secondary to political or economic diplomacy, but rather functions as an intrinsic and necessary component of it.
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Cultural Diplomacy in the Private Sector As the move towards more socially responsible business practices gains momentum, the ability to understand and embrace the different values and needs of diverse cultures and societies becomes ever more important. There are many reasons why private companies need to be aware of the dif- ferences between cultures in their strategic decision-making process and adopt cultural diplomacy models into their agenda: • In the era of growing social awareness, corporates with culturally sensitive marketing plans and campaigns will enjoy a positive public opinion and good image, thus financially perform better. • Companies with a national focus face a related challenge in ensuring that they are aware of and sensitive to national cultural minorities. • Companies seeking to expand abroad, will encounter problems unless they conduct research into, and act according to the cultural differences with the host country.
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Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Ku’damm Karree, Kurfürstendamm 207-208, D-10719 Berlin Tel.: +49 (0) 30 2360 768 0 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.culturaldiplomacy.org