FICAC (World Federation of Consuls)’s Post

The shifting landscape of international diplomacy presents both challenges and opportunities for the UK's soft power influence. In our latest analysis "What is at Stake? The Role of the UK Soft Power Council in Addressing Contemporary Diplomatic Challenges," we explore how emerging diplomatic trends are reshaping Britain's approach to cultural and educational influence. Two critical shifts demand our attention: the rise of bilateral relationships and increasingly transactional approaches to international engagement. These developments pose unique challenges for the UK's traditional strengths in educational partnerships, cultural exchange, and long-term relationship building. Yet within these challenges lies opportunity. The newly established UK Soft Power Council arrives at a pivotal moment, positioned to help Britain adapt while preserving its historical advantages in cultural diplomacy. Particularly encouraging is the emerging role of cities, universities, and civil society organisations as stabilising forces in international cultural relations. Interested in understanding how the UK can maintain its influential position in global affairs through cultural leadership? Read the full analysis! #InternationalRelations #Diplomacy #SoftPower #UKForeignPolicy #GlobalEngagement #CulturalDiplomacy https://lnkd.in/eeFamWAh

New H-Diplo Roundtable on Charlotte Faucher's _Propaganda, Gender, and Cultural Power: Projections and Perceptions of France in Britain, c1880–1944_. Oxford University Press, 2022. https://lnkd.in/eBuvB_YQ Introduction by Lori Maguire, University of Reims; reviews by Rachel Chin, University of Glasgow, Pauline Georgelin, Independent Researcher, Philip Nash, Penn State Shenango; response by Charlotte Faucher, University of Bristol From the introduction: "I’m delighted to be able to introduce Charlotte Faucher’s book on French cultural diplomacy in Britain from 1880 to the end of World War II. Situated within the new diplomatic history, the book considers the question through the roles of both state and non-state actors, and, in particular, of women who took initiatives and sometimes even acted on their own. Divided into six chronologically based chapters, Faucher’s book traces the development and evolution of cultural diplomacy by French authorities, as well as its eventual takeover by male diplomats and academics. The chronological approach allows her to show both the evolution in the concept of what constitutes diplomacy, and who practiced it. Faucher explains her goals in the introduction: 'This book presents a corrective to this approach [studying cultural exchanges separately from diplomatic relations], offering the first systematic analysis of French cultural diplomacy in Britain and focusing in particular on its gendered workings. It argues that questions of cultural diplomacy shaped Franco-British and European politics to the extent that writing a history of French diplomacy in Britain requires analysing cultural processes' (4). One of the most impressive aspects of this book is the large range of source material on which it is based. These include British, French, and Belgian archives at both national and local levels; personal papers; and the archives of organizations like the French Institute in the UK, the French Chamber of Commerce, and the British Council. Added to this are personal interviews, newspapers, parliamentary debates, etc. This provides Faucher’s work with great depth of insight into the workings and the impact of cultural diplomacy at all its echelons. The comprehensiveness of her sources allows her to assert the importance of cultural diplomacy. The reviewers have all worked either in the area of French foreign relations or gender history...."

I submitted my B.A. Dissertation, The Development of Malta’s Digital Diplomacy and the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Abstract: The objective of this research is determining the development of Malta’s Digital Diplomacy specifically looking at the past decade (2014-2024), and how the COVID-19 Pandemic affected different aspects such as topics of diplomatic discourse and practice of diplomats. The increased prevalence of digital technologies has altered all aspects of life. This was further magnified by the COVID-19 Pandemic which caused a shift and brought about a new era in the everchanging diplomatic landscape. The methodologies used to track the development is qualitative analysis of interviews with professionals which reflects on the practices of diplomats, and analysis of local policies which contribute to the construction of the Maltese National Identity. Furthermore, quantitative analysis was done on press releases by the Maltese government to track topics regarding the digital as well as the analysis of Malta’s participation in the United Nations on the digital. The findings indicate that the COVID-19 Pandemic did not initiate the development of Malta’s Digital Diplomacy, rather it gave a push to utilize digital tools in diplomatic practices, however, diplomats remain in favour of traditional diplomacy and in person interactions rather than online. With regards to the topic of the digital, Malta has made advances in implementing regulations, policies, and strategies regarding digital technologies well before the COVID-19 Pandemic. Thus, the development of Malta’s Digital Diplomacy was not influenced to the level one might think by the pandemic rather it showed an alternative which could be done resulting in the implementation of hybrid diplomacy. It would be advantageous to Malta to further the development of Digital diplomacy by training diplomats to utilise digital tools to better their practice and consultation with experts in the digital.

I am thrilled that I and my co-authors Sejung Park, Lindsey M. Bier, Ph.D., and Han Woo PARK have received the 2024 International Studies Association ICOMM Best Paper Award. The following is an excerpt from a blog post I have written back in 2018. --- When it comes to people-to-people exchanges, most scholars simply treat them as what they really are: exchanges. Others are convinced that these exchanges, too, qualify as “diplomacy’s public dimension”. ... In these accounts, the underlying assumption is that diplomacy exists whenever “there are boundaries for identity and those boundaries of identity are crossed.” ... Recently, Isolate or Engage, edited by Geoffrey Wiseman, emphasizes people-to-people exchanges as the only channels in the absence or limitations of official channels of American public diplomacy in adversarial countries. The case of inter-Korean people-to-people exchanges is an even more curious one. First, while estranged from each other for 73 years, the two Koreas both aspire to unify their country, at least in rhetoric. They do not recognize each other as sovereign entities and do not wish to maintain their separate identities while mediating their differences, which is often suggested as an “essence of diplomacy." Second, if there are to be exchanges between the North Korean and South Korean people, they need to get permission from both governments. ... Therefore, you can actually count the number of exchanges that happen between the North and South Korean people. ---- This blog post was the beginning of my journey to research inter-Korean people-to-people diplomacy which produced multiple publications. Our team was fortunate to receive two Korea Foundation grants totaling $100,000 for this project. In one article, I and my co-author mapped the South Korean government’s theories of change regarding inter-Korean people-to-people diplomacy based on policy documents and interviews. We also explored the outcomes of inter-Korean exchanges reflecting South Korean participants’ insights. Building on the findings of this previous study, I and my co-authors designed a new experimental study. We received a new Korea Foundation grant of $50,000 for this research. We asked if South Koreans’ superordinate identification with North Koreans leads to increased humanization of and empathy for North Koreans. We found that South Koreans’ increased superordinate identification with North Koreans leads to greater humanization of the latter as well as less negative feelings toward them but does not affect support for unification. Our findings implied that extended contact may be enough to generate superordinate identification with the outgroup but not enough to affect support for government policies. We are honored that ISA ICOMM awarded us with the 2024 ISA ICOMM Best Paper Award. Read the blog post here: https://lnkd.in/g6Ec2VKz

I am thrilled to announce the publication of my latest piece in Bilig (SSCI), co-authored with my esteemed colleague Yunhee Kim, titled: "Crafting a Brand from Tradition: An Innovative Public Diplomacy Strategy for the Organization of Turkic States". This paper explores the potential of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in leveraging public diplomacy to enhance its international stature by proposing the development of a unique brand, "Yurt Yeli," a concept we coined. Drawing parallels with South Korea's successful Hallyu (Korean Wave) initiative, the paper suggests that the OTS can similarly utilize Yurt Yeli to harness the power of public diplomacy. The analysis begins with an in-depth examination of Hallyu, providing a framework for understanding its effectiveness in public diplomacy. It then delves into the conceptualization and potential implementation of Yurt Yeli, tailored to resonate with the unique cultural heritage and values of the Turkic World. Given the OTS's role as a representative of the Turkic World on the global stage, the paper underscores its vast potential in employing public diplomacy strategies to enhance its international visibility and influence. The comparison between Hallyu and the proposed Yurt Yeli offers insights into how cultural elements can be transformed into powerful tools for diplomatic engagement and the enhancement of global presence. For full paper:

$150 million for Hasbara. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar will receive $150 million for Israeli public diplomacy, 20 times more than the amount the government previously allocated for this cause. The executive editor of the pro-Israel media watchdog HonestReporting compiled in The Jerusalem Post his advice for the foreign minister on how to spend the money. Read the full article here : https://lnkd.in/eFP8dQr7 Extracts: 1) A rapid response team of dozens of impressive government spokespeople in several languages, enabling availability for interviews 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to respond immediately to the news as it happens, when the iron is hot. (…) The spokespeople can be based not just in Israel but at embassies and consulates around the world. But please make sure they are very diverse and not just white Ashkenazi, Jewish, middle-aged, straight men. 4) Please strengthen those embassies and consulates (…). The diplomatic installations are Israel's boots on the ground and know how to localize Israel's public diplomacy effectively. 5) Provide funding for a 24-hour English TV network, quasi-independent of the government, that will be pro-Israel but can criticize its decisions. 6) Use social media platforms to appeal to younger generations in multiple languages,. (…) More needs to be invested in Instagram, TikTok, and whatever platform is used by the next generation to reach out to them better than ever before. Tools like artificial intelligence that Israel's enemies have implemented could be utilized effectively for the cause of the Jewish state. 8) Support efforts to train pro-Israel advocates around the world as part of their education for their bar or bat mitzvot so they will be ready to be both proactive and reactive in favor of Israel at their high schools and colleges. Such training courses should be available for people of all ages. Hasbara starts at home. 9) Develop a strategy for reclaiming the Israeli narrative that has been hijacked by its critics. As one activist popular on social media told Sa’ar at a meeting he convened with influencers: “Their narrative is unified and simplistic: ‘You are oppressing us, free Palestine.’ We are fragmented. We need to focus on what our narrative is and make sure we have the tools and resources to tell it.”

🇩🇪 Visit to the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany! I have had the pleasure of visiting the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Barcelona, a centre where diplomacy and international cooperation take place, demonstrating its multifaceted character.  UNSA Barcelona organised what was an engaging encounter that provided an uncommon glimpse into their goals and operations; the consulate plays a wide range of significant roles and serves as a support for those German nationals living overseas as it guarantees the interconnection with their native country while taking up residence in a different cultural setting. The institution includes a wide range of services; from legal documentation or emergency reinforcement to developing close political, economic, and cultural links between Spain and Germany. These attempts illustrate the simultaneous function of diplomacy, which is to safeguard reciprocal advantages while preserving a country’s unique identity on a national frame. Examining these initiatives from a uniquely German viewpoint, which emphasised their focus on effectiveness and international relations, made the visit even more fascinating. Once we finalised our tour through the offices, we had the remarkable opportunity of talking with the General Consul Patrick Heinz. His emphasis on cooperation - encompassing cultural and financial establishments apart from governmental structures - and the entity’s aims, highlighted professionalism and meticulous concern to minor details. It conveyed how German values transcend even the complex spheres of dialogue, through the well planned and executed intends together with synchronized procedures. As a result of this eye-opening tour, I had a more clear understanding of the cruciality of the Consulate. Due to its ability to adapt to spontaneous changes in the global scenario, it is capable of enhancing dialogue and representation from a myriad of institutional levels with the aim of fostering cooperation and certitude within countries.   The Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Barcelona embodies the unification of different disciplines which allows the emergence of interactions that consolidate a better tomorrow. #consulate #germany #diplomacy #dialogue #cooperation

I used to think diplomacy was all about grand speeches and public negotiations. But India’s quiet move in North Korea proves otherwise. 1️⃣ India’s Quiet Diplomatic Move India has resumed its diplomatic operations in North Korea after a three-year hiatus, signaling a renewed effort to strengthen bilateral ties. The embassy in Pyongyang has reopened, and a team of technical and diplomatic staff has been dispatched. 2️⃣ A Strategic Focus: Act East Policy While the spotlight is often on conflicts in Central Asia and the Middle East, India’s Act East Policy prioritizes stronger relations with Southeast Asia. This move towards North Korea aligns with India’s broader diplomatic strategy, focusing on cautious engagement with the Korean Peninsula. 3️⃣ Background Check India’s embassy in Pyongyang was temporarily closed in July 2021 due to the pandemic. Ambassador Atul Malhari was recalled, and his reassignment to Mongolia raised questions about India’s commitment to engaging with North Korea. 4️⃣ A Smooth Resumption After three years, India is back in action! While no ambassador has been appointed yet, the reopening of the embassy marks a significant step in normalizing diplomatic relations with North Korea. 5️⃣ Why It Matters This move by India is a reminder that diplomacy is not always flashy or publicized, but often requires long-term strategies, even with nations whose policies may not align perfectly with our own. 🌏💬 ✨ Fun Fact: Diplomacy isn't always about grand gestures; sometimes, it's about the quiet persistence that leads to stronger ties over time!

Are you looking for publication opportunities on Japanese diplomacy? The Hague Journal of Diplomacy has an open call for papers for the forthcoming Special Issue, entitled “Japan between the West and the East.” Throughout its modern history, Japan has occupied an important place in the changing global power dynamics. It is a crucial actor, intermediary, and regional power which has overseen profound economic, political and social transformations. With the rise of China and the decline of Western-led liberal international order, Japan is once again centre-stage as both an important interlocutor and potential diplomatic leader. This special issue welcomes applications from different disciplines. It focuses on the theoretical and practical dimensions of Japan's diplomacy throughout modern history. We aim to provide insightful contributions on the security, economic and cultural challenges where Japan has straddled between the East and the West and functioned - or failed to function - as an interlocutor of regional and Western powers. We are excited to be joined by special guest editors Saori Katada, Akiko Fukushima, and Atsushi Yamada who will review and work closely with authors on revising and finalising drafts, including in translation. In conjunction with the special issue, a paper workshop is to be held at Leiden University in The Hague, the Netherlands in March 2025 (funding permitting). For more submission details and other exciting publication opportunities, check out The Hague Journal of Diplomacy here: https://lnkd.in/e9qHU-7Y #SpecialIssue #Research #AsianDiplomacy #Japan #Diplomacy #Publication #Workshop #HJD #EasternDiplomacy

Delighted to share our Open Access article with James To on China's and Turkey's diaspora youth diplomacy! We provide a rare comparative study investigating diaspora diplomacy and discuss how and why these top emigrant sending states have invested in their diaspora youth, particularly in the last two decades: https://lnkd.in/gMrgTuHG