22/03/2018 Stakes and Perspectives of French Cultural Diplomacy
How does one State develop its sphere of influence on the international scene?
A conference-debate questioning the articulation of Culture in French diplomatic politics will take place on Thursday 22 March 2018 at the Cité International des Arts, Paris, at 18:30. One of the main goals would be to identify the actions implemented today and their stakes on the contemporary international scene of French cultural diplomacy.
Some would say that the military or economic power as well as natural resources ownership are important assets – what American Professor Joseph Nye would qualify as Hard Power. Others would insist on another face of power, more subtle and yet essential, which gives a State a true capacity of attraction: Soft Power. Soft Power would then comprehend heritage (both tangible and intangible), artistic creations, languages, etc. and would have a strategic place of choice in one State’s position in the world.
During the debate, each guest speaker will be invited to question the role of Culture in French diplomatic policy in order to pinpoint the set-up of actions today and their impacts on the the contemporary international scene.
List of speakers:
- Bénédicte Alliot, General Director of the Cité International des Arts
- Stephan Kutniak, Director for mobility and artistic cooperation of the Institut Français
- Bernard Miyet, former Ambassador to the French Permanent Representation of the UN, then Ambassador in charge of “exception culturelle” negotiations at the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
- Augustin Favereau, Assistant-Director for Culture and Media – Ministry of Europe and External Affairs
- Moderation: Denis Moreau, French philosopher.
Attendance is free of charge but registration mandatory. More information on the event here.