Cultural diplomacy is a key pillar in foreign policy

In 2011, I was among a group of culture enthusiasts from different parts of the world selected by the British Council to take part in a cultural leadership international program. The program promised activities aimed at nurturing individuals who could spearhead cultural policies, strengthen diplomatic relations, instigate effective economic and social change, and promote intercultural understanding. As a first step, we were invited to attend a week-long training workshop in Istanbul.

It was October and the evenings were crisp, with autumn leaves covering the streets and this vibrant city enchanting us with its timeless atmosphere. On the opening night, the guest speaker was renowned British journalist Michael Binyon, who talked about the importance of international cultural relations, and culture’s use as a tool for soft power and public diplomacy.

Over the next four days, our training venue was the SALT Galata, a former headquarters of the central bank during the Ottoman empire and now a cultural center. International speakers shared valuable lessons on policies to promote the creative industries, the ways in which culture can address social or political issues, and the role of aesthetics in fostering mutual understanding between nations. Between sessions, we were taken on tours of museums, artisan workshops, mosques, cultural centers, the Old Town and the Grand Bazaar. The whole experience offered an understanding and appreciation of culture on both a local and global level.

Today, many governments consider cultural diplomacy an important pillar in their foreign policies. The US political scientist and author Milton Cummings Jr. defines cultural diplomacy as “the exchange of ideas, information, values, systems, traditions, beliefs, and other aspects of culture, with the intention of fostering mutual understanding.” In an increasingly interdependent, technologically connected and globalized era, cultural diplomacy is becoming critical in spearheading a peaceful, respectful and informed dialogue between the world’s citizens.

With its soft power, such a tool can be used to construct a positive perception of other countries’ cultures, values and policies, as well as preventing or mitigating conflicts, driving trade and tourism, and fostering greater cooperation on a number of platforms. Furthermore, the creative arts can help shape our identities. That is why we learn a foreign language, are so enamored with notions of freedom or wellbeing in certain countries, or travel as tourists to places with rich cultural offerings.

Creative initiatives adopted in this arena include translating essential books and establishing libraries abroad with popular national works; hosting art exhibitions, film festivals, concerts and theater productions; organizing traveling museums showcasing national artefacts; broadcasting cultural programs or TV shows; and managing cultural exchange programs.

The Fulbright Program, for example, was established in 1946 by the US to sponsor students, scholars, teachers, artists and scientists, enabling them to study, teach, research, share ideas and help formulate solutions to global challenges. Through this unique exchange program, Fulbright scholars are exposed to different cultures, allowing them to foster a global network of leaders in different countries. Alumni have gone on to make great strides in their fields, and includes 60 Nobel prize-winners, 88 Pulitzer prizewinners, and 38 individuals who have served as heads of state or government.

Many governments have established dedicated agencies with the aim of exporting their local cultures and fostering international relations. The Japan Foundation, established in 1972, is responsible for disseminating Japanese culture to the world, in addition to offering Japanese language courses, promoting collaborative projects to help solve global issues, and funding global research on Japanese studies. The foundation’s Wochi Kochi magazine — meaning “the future and the present” in Japanese — includes articles and feature stories celebrating Japanese culture locally and abroad.

Similarly, Alliance Francaise, established

135 years ago and considered the first nongovernmental cultural organization, promotes French culture and language abroad. Today, its 834 local centers in 133 countries promise “a multicultural experience in French,” and foster core values of cultural openness, conviviality, togetherness and diversity. Signature programs include language study holidays, art exhibitions by French artists, screenings of French films, book clubs, and cultural experiences covering fashion, gastronomy, art, film, literature and history.

It is becoming evident that cultural diplomacy can be a powerful tool in fostering multilateral partnerships, in addition to elevating our human experience and working together toward a common, universal good.