Is There a Future for Cultural Diplomacy in a World of Hard Power? An Expert Discussion

On 25 May, a discussion entitled “Is There a Future for Cultural Diplomacy in a World of Hard Power?” took place at the Moscow venue of the Valdai Club. In recent decades, force has become the primary instrument for resolving interstate contradictions. The language of diplomacy and universal values is increasingly drowned out by the rhetoric of ultimatums. It appears that cultural diplomacy is rapidly losing its relevance. States are scaling back humanitarian exchanges, shutting down cultural centres, and redirecting budgets from education and outreach towards deterrence. Moreover, many governments now regard the very instruments of cultural diplomacy created during the previous era of globalisation—foundations, media outlets, and educational exchange programmes—with suspicion. They are seen not as bridges of mutual understanding, but as levers of foreign influence and tools for eroding national identity. Yet it is precisely at this moment of apparent triumph of force that questions of cultural diplomacy become especially acute. Perhaps an era of confrontation demands abandoning the notion that culture is always apolitical. The cultural diplomacy of the future may lie in the ability to defend one’s values pragmatically, while preserving dialogue even under conditions where diplomatic channels have been severed. How should the current state of cultural diplomacy be assessed? What forms does it take today? Which institutions are assuming a key role in this sphere? How do the...