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Cultural Diplomacy

Get an introduction to cultural diplomacy, learning what it means, how it works, and its importance in today's polarised world.

13,903 enrolled on this course

Cultural Diplomacy

13,903 enrolled on this course

  • 3 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

Explore the definitions and methods of cultural diplomacy

What does cultural diplomacy mean? How does it work in practice? What effect does it have in today’s world? Get the answers with this introduction to cultural diplomacy.

You will explore whether cultural diplomacy is about intercultural dialogue and engagement between different countries or whether it could be understood as one type of public diplomacy. You will consider the role of state actors and international organisations as well as that of non-state actors (including types of cultural and educational institutions). You will also consider the emerging EU strategy of cultural diplomacy.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 13 seconds What is cultural diplomacy? Come with us, and together we will address this question and the many others that arise when looking at the role that culture plays in international relations. We will travel through time and space to see how culture has been used as a diplomacy tool, and analyse the many cases where it has been successful, as well as some where it has been less so. We will also examine cultural diplomacy governance and the many actors involved from international organisations and cities to civil society and private actors, discussing also the strategies they put in place. For example, for what concerns the creation of international culture cooperation networks and the privatisation process of culture.

Skip to 1 minute and 1 second Finally, we will explore the role of culture in the EU external strategy, especially with neighbouring countries. Join us and a group of renowned experts for engaging discussions, and explore the potential of culture for building strong international relations and supporting development.

What topics will you cover?

Week 1 – Concepts of cultural diplomacy

  • Cultural cooperation
  • Public diplomacy
  • Soft power
  • Transnational cultural relations

Week 2 – Governance of cultural diplomacy

  • International organisations
  • Cities and regions in cultural diplomacy
  • Private actors in cultural diplomacy
  • Grassroots international cultural relations

Week 3 – European cultural diplomacy

  • Europeanising cultural cooperation
  • The European soft power
  • The future of cultural diplomacy in Europe

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explain relevant terms and notions such as those of soft power, cultural cooperation and public diplomacy
  • Discuss current geopolitical and economic contexts, and the role that cultural diplomacy plays in the G8 and in the G20 world
  • Identify the main actors involved in cultural diplomacy today
  • Explore the nascent EU strategy of cultural diplomacy
  • Assess specific examples where cultural diplomacy has worked and examples where it has not

Who is the course for?

This course is an introduction to cultural diplomacy for people working in foreign policy, public policy, arts, culture and heritage.

Who will you learn with?

Jeremie Molho is Research Fellow at the European University Institute

Anna Triandafyllidou is Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration at Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada.

Who developed the course?

European University Institute (EUI)

We are the European University Institute (EUI), the leading institute in Europe dedicated to social sciences and humanities. Founded in 1972 by the six original members of the then European Communities, the EUI has earned a reputation as a transnational hub of research and higher learning.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$109/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 9 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

T&Cs apply.

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  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
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  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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