For several years, diplomats have played an important role in promoting good relationships among various countries. Some of the roles that the diplomats undertake in foreign countries include championing for good business deals and advocating for the rights of the nationals present in the countries. The diplomats also ensure that the policies implemented by the subject countries are in harmony with the ideals of their home countries.
Akagawa asserts that one of the most important roles that diplomats play in ensuring that peace prevails between their countries and the nations that they are serving in is the act of exchanging cultural information between the countries (25). While other types of diplomacy are essential, cultural diplomacy is pivotal in enhancing good interrelationships among citizens of the subject countries. The purpose of this essay is to examine the role that diplomats play to enhance cultural, diplomatic ties between countries.
Apparently, some of the things that diplomats need to execute in order to promote cultural, diplomatic ties include sharing information about art, religion, cultural affiliations, and social aspects of the subject country and their countries. The act of exchanging information concerning the culture of the two countries is instrumental in amplifying the scale of the information held by individuals in both countries. Maltzahn explains that when individuals from both countries acquire an improved understanding of their counterparts from the other country, they gradually learn the various ways that promote peaceful coexistence with each other (13). Moreover, the individuals refrain from engaging in acts considered by their colleagues from other places as unethical. The peaceful coexistence that transpires after individuals understand the various affiliations of culture present in a particular country materializes when diplomats exchange information to their subject countries.
It is important to note that several countries have diverse cultural affiliations. While some activities are ethical and fine with individuals in some regions, they are unethical in other regions. Therefore, the diplomats play a role of sharing cultural information between the countries and, in the process, educate the members of the two nations on ideals that concern their culture (Cliché et al. 116). Some of the ways that the diplomats engage in sharing the information include the establishment of centers that have artifacts of their countries, as well as using dances and concerts that promote the provisions of culture practiced by the subject countries. Thereafter, the diplomats use these cultural dances and artifacts to persuade their colleagues to visit the foreign country and undertake businesses with them. In effect, cultural diplomacy is a way that diplomats use to convince foreign countries to enter into deals that are beneficial to their homelands.
Fundamentally, the expertise that informs cultural diplomacy is one that revolves around an improved understanding of one’s culture, which over time, translates into good relationships. Ang et al. elucidate that through the expertise, diplomats use culture to promote good relationships between the countries (371). Apparently, good associations and international ties become effective when individuals understand the cultural aspects of a particular country.
Therefore, with an enhanced understanding of the country’s culture, the likelihood of the subject countries engaging in successful businesses augments. According to Campo, cultural diplomats focus on promoting the aspects of culture between the countries with the aim of ensuring that the understanding translates into peaceful coexistence and business engagements (12). As such, it is notable for alluding that the role played by cultural diplomats is essential in the journey towards promoting cultural ties between countries.
Works Cited
Akagawa, Natsuko. Heritage Conservation and Japan’s Cultural Diplomacy: Heritage, National Identity and National Interest. Routledge, 2014.
Ang, Ien, et al. “Cultural Diplomacy: Beyond the National Interest?” International Journal of Cultural Policy, vol. 21, no. 4, 2015, pp. 365-381.
Campo, Luis. Cultural Diplomacy: A Hundred Years of History of the British-Spanish Society. Liverpool University Press, 2015.
Cliche, Danielle, et al. Reshaping Cultural Policies: A Decade Promoting the Diversity of Cultural Expressions for Development. Imprimerie Centrale, 2015.
Maltzahn, Nadia. The Syria-Iran Axis: Cultural Diplomacy and International Relations in the Middle East. I.B. Tauris, 2013.