The Outlook is a compilation of the research undertaken by the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy during the year 2011. The Outlook takes both a vertical approach by analysing cultural diplomacy involvement through different sectors, such as public, private, and civil society, and a horizontal approach of how that involvement is carried out in different geographical regions and within various cultural diplomacy themes, such as nation branding, inter-religious dialogue, sports and the arts.
Throughout the course of 2011, local developments, be they in markets, governments, civil society, or artistic contributions have had international implications as is evident in the continuing global economic downturn and the social protests, the unfolding of the Arab Spring, and Bollywood. This interconnectivity and the overall concept of globalisation is not new, but its implications are continually discussed in every major sector of society be it public, private, civil or academic.
It has become apparent that there is a global need to foster international relationships that are built on mutual understanding rather than military action and formal diplomatic engagement. That is not to say that these forms of hard power are disappearing, but soft power has reemerged onto the international stage and grown in relevance as an alternate, and often preferable, means of international interaction.
While soft power is becoming an increasingly popular buzzword, it is still a relatively new field of enquiry and as such, there is often a dearth of research to inform and develop the discourse on the subject. This is particularly true when it comes to the field of cultural diplomacy. The world of cultural diplomacy changes rapidly and as such, information and analysis of the subject must be continually updated.
Thus, The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy has established itself as a formal research institute and administering academic programs to move the research on cultural diplomacy forward. Every year, the ICD will publish an annual outlook which will be a compilation of all the research conducted by the Institute for that year.
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