Cultural Diplomacy: Transformation of Concept Definition in the Context of World Community Evolution (1930s – Early 2020s)

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to reveal the essence of the «cultural diplomacy» concept at the current stage and trace the transformations of its definition in the context of the world community development during the 20th and first decades of the 21st century. Research methodology. The method of terminological analysis, the method of interpretation and operationalisation of concepts have been applied to ensure the understanding of the content essence of the «cultural diplomacy» concept. The method of historical and cultural analysis has enabled considering the definitional transformations that took place during the 1930s – early 2020s in the context of the development of the world community and international relations, as well as the method of systemic analysis to identify the specifics of the phenomenon of «cultural diplomacy» at the current stage. Scientific novelty. The definition of the «cultural diplomacy» concept has been studied in historical retrospect and at the present stage; considered and analysed the development and transformation of the concept in the context of the specifics of the evolution of the world community; a proper definition of the concept of «cultural diplomacy» is proposed. Conclusions. Cultural diplomacy is directly related to the use of culture as an object and means of achieving the fundamental goals of the state's foreign policy, creating a favorable image of the country, popularising culture and language. At the current stage, in the conditions of globalisation processes of an interdependent world, in which the spread of information and communication technologies facilitates communication between people from different countries, cultural diplomacy is an extremely important aspect for ensuring international peace and stability. In the context of the specifics of the current state and development trends of international relations, cultural diplomacy is considered as a direction of foreign policy carried out by national states in cooperation with state and/or private entities with the aim of spreading the culture of this country abroad, as well as the development of international cultural policy with the aim of cultural exchange and cooperation between various international subjects – states, international organisations, and individuals.

Key words: cultural diplomacy, international relations, world community, transformation of the concept.