Freeing the Future from the Past: Redefining Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy in a World of “Unequals”

Abstract

Soft power may be “soft” in appearance, but it is real power- and power is generally defined as the ability to compel obedience. Cultural diplomacy may thus be a means to that end: a dynamic of soft power, which tries to “beautify” the application of power by stronger states in their interaction with less powerful ones. To this end, cultural exchanges, educational and scientific aids, exchange of cultural attachés, creation of consular units, etc.,, may be ways by which nations are given false sense of equality and importance, whereas the real intentions are to push the limits of power by stronger states. This paper identifies and examines the hidden dynamics of soft power, focusing on the most effective of such cultural diplomacy. Identifying national interest as the motive behind the instrument of cultural diplomacy, the paper argues that cultural diplomacy is indeed effective in peaceful inter-state relations but the motive should not be to dominate other people or nations and that the old uses of cultural diplomacy by the superpowers for subtle domination, should give way to fostering of mutual trust, global peace and security.