The Changing Face of Cultural Diplomacy

The emergence of American cultural diplomacy was brought about during the Cold War by the government through the CIA. In an effort to increase the appeal of Western culture and values abroad, and to curb the influence and appeal of communism, the CIA ardently funded cultural events that conveyed the values and ideals of capitalism and free thinking. From artistic works of abstract expressionism to tours of jazz musicians, the United States government was the main facilitator of cultural diplomacy up until the last decade of the twentieth century. After the iron curtain was torn down, so too was a major source of funding for artistic and cultural events promoting American culture abroad.

With the continuous "flattening" of the globe, people to people connections are becoming much more feasible. The State Department, although integral, is not the only means of promoting American culture abroad. There is now more than ever the opportunity for people to meet and connect together, and maybe even dispel some stereotypes and misconceptions. Finding a common ground to discuss differences as well as shared values is one of the objectives in current cultural diplomacy. The arts are universal, and they have a universal objective; to express personal values and to hopefully have a positive and resounding effect on the world. The arts are no longer the message, they are the avenue by which the message is delivered. 

Now that the state's role in diplomacy (most specifically, cultural diplomacy) is becoming more obsolete due to the increase in private sector endeavors to champion diplomacy, there are many more opportunities to engage in diplomacy at the citizen level. With an objective of increasing the number of citizen diplomats within the next decade, the conditions for success couldn't be more conducive. A market that is predominantly controlled by the private sector will allow the message to be constructed and broadcasted by citizens and these citizens will help to shape foreign policy. Citizen diplomacy says that citizens have the right and even the obligation to help shape U.S. foreign policy, one handshake at a time.

Through the Share your Stories campaign, we have been able to view a multitude of individuals and organizations that engage in cultural diplomacy. From Cultures in Harmony to the Conflict Kitchen, citizens have been individually bridging the gaps between one another culturally. The options are truly numerous and the new face of diplomacy could not be emerging at a more convenient time. The call for religious understanding and tolerance is at the height of importance in the post 9/11 era.

In what ways have you helped to bridge the gap between the West and other nations? Have you engaged in cultural diplomacy? We'd like to hear about it.

Posted Thursday, July 29, 2010