CULTURAL POLICY, CULTURAL DIPLOMACY, CULTURE: PILLARS OF "SOFT POWER"

Katerina Papaioannou
University of Patras, GREECE, papaioannou.kat@gmail.com

Abstract

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 key-points 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.

Keywords: Culture, cultural policy, cultural diplomacy, soft power.