Cultural diplomacy is a type of public diplomacy and soft power that includes the "exchange of ideas, information, art, language and other aspects of culture among nations and their peoples in order to foster mutual understanding" Another term for this is culture exchange.
Overview[]
The purpose of cultural diplomacy is for the people of a foreign nation to develop an understanding of the nation's ideals and institutions in an effort to build broad support for economic and political goals. In essence "cultural diplomacy reveals the soul of a nation", which in turn creates influence. Though often overlooked, cultural diplomacy can and does play an important role in achieving national security efforts.
Culture is a set of values and practices that create meaning for society. This includes both high culture (literature, art, and education, which appeals to elites) and popular culture (appeals to the masses). This is what governments seek to show foreign audiences when engaging in cultural diplomacy. It is a type of soft power, which is the "ability to get what you want through attraction rather than coercion or payments. It arises from a country's culture, political ideals and policies."
Effects of Cultural Diplomacy in the New World[]
Third Civilization Area and Outside the Civilized Areas[]
With the arrival of Japan, there was not only the introduction of advanced technology, but also a new culture and way of thinking. The first nations to begin experiencing Japanese culture was the Qua-Toyne Principality and the Quila Kingdom. As a result, Japanese clothes and fashion became popular. Certain rituals and traditions like the tea ceremony were adopted. And other nations like the Fenn Kingdom and the Topa Kingdom became eager to establish relations with Japan.
However, mutual culture exchange was also resisted and even tried to be forced upon Japan, when they first encountered the Parpaldia Empire. Due to arrogance and ignorance, the Parpaldians thought they could make Japan submit and adopt to their tyrannical culture. This of course, led to the near-total collapse of the Empire and in an ironic twist, the Parpaldians have no choice but to adopt Japan's culture as a puppet state, in order to survive.
Second Civilization Area and the Gra Valkas Empire[]
Due to the advanced technology that Japan possessed, the nation of Mu was eager to adopt Japanese culture as it was a way for them to gain access to that technology. On the flip side, the Gra Valkas Empire is making the same mistakes as the Parpaldia Empire and trying to force its culture onto other nations, by declaring war on the entire world and subjugating countries such as Leifor and the Riem Kingdom.
First Civilization Area[]
Nations such as the Holy Milishial Empire were seen as the top civilizations to aspire to and their cultures were often imitated by lesser countries. This all changed with the appearance of Japan. Now even citizens in this area have begun to see to Japanese culture as the one to emulate.