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Welcome to the Cultural Diplomacy Initiative at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. Inaugurated in 2022, the program is a repository of innovative thinking about emerging challenges and opportunities for cultural diplomacy, a convening center for leaders in the field, a hub for cooperation among other programs in this arena, and a source of education and training. Its mission is to activate the power of culture as a tool to build bridges through cultural diplomacy initiatives which serve foreign policy objectives. The initiative hosts an ongoing study group on soft power and cultural diplomacy, a seminar series, and a fellows program.

CDI STUDY GROUP

Launched in Fall 2022, this study group was designed for anyone interested in learning more about cultural diplomacy and soft power in addressing foreign relations. Over the course of 5 sessions, participants became familiar with the history of cultural diplomacy and will better understand how the power of the arts has repeatedly been deployed by governments to help achieve foreign policy objectives. The group analyzed historical examples and hear from current practitioners. Furthermore, the group was challenged to envision future uses of cultural diplomacy as a tactic for addressing current foreign policy challenges.

Objectives:

  • Gain an understanding of cultural diplomacy and its relevance to the government and artistic sector.

  • Learn important global cultural diplomacy initiatives and analyze their outcomes.

  • Explore the use of cultural diplomacy and soft power as tools to further U.S. foreign policy objectives.

  • Understand public diplomacy and how it differs from cultural diplomacy.

  • Assess present-day foreign affairs and national security challenges in a cultural context, and consider how cultural diplomacy and soft power can play a role in seeking resolutions.

  • Discuss why cultural diplomacy is not always successful and what can be done to prevent this from happening.