GLOCAL February 2014 | Page 14

Diplomatic relations of a cultural nature have been in existence ever since the earliest human tribes began to explore and travel. Today, nations keen to forge important links with each other adhere to four important principles of cultural diplomacy    have a positive view of the country's people, culture and policies, induce greater cooperation between the two nations, aid in changing the policies or political environment of the target nation, prevent, manage and mitigate conflict with the target nation. Primarily, cultural diplomacy is a demonstration of national power because it demonstrates to foreign audiences every aspect of culture, including wealth, scientific and 12 Cultural Diplomacy may best be described as a course of actions, which are based on and utilize the exchange of ideas, values, traditions and other aspects of culture or identity, whether to strengthen relationships, enhance socio-cultural cooperation or promote national interests; Cultural diplomacy can be practiced by either the public sector, private sector or civil society and sometimes even by individuals. technological advances, competitiveness in everything from sports and industry to military power, and a nation's overall confidence. The perception of power obviously has important implications for a nation's ability to ensure its security. Furthermore because cultural diplomacy includes political and ideological arguments, and uses the language of persuasion and advocacy, it can be used as an instrument of political warfare and be useful in achieving traditional goals of war. Participants in cultural diplomacy often have insights into foreign attitudes that official embassy employees do not. This can be used to better understand a foreign nation‘s intentions and capabilities. It can also be used to counter hostile propaganda and the collection of open source intelligence. Overall, cultural diplomacy has the potential to demonstrate national power, create an environment conducive to support, and assist in the collection and interp