The International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy 2011
"Hard Vs. Soft Power in Global and National Politics: Innovative Concepts of Smart Power and Cultural Diplomacy in an Age of Interdependence, Digital Revolution, and Social Media"
(Berlin; May 11th - 15th, 2011)
The change over the past two decades from an international system based on independent nation states to an interdependent world facing global challenges has been widely explored and analyzed. At the level of international relations the change is accompanied by a growing understanding of the importance of global public goods.
In addition, the digital communication technologies and social media are revolutionizing the interaction between politicians and citizens. For politicians, new technologies are providing an easier, cheaper way of informing a broad range of people about new policies, opinions, and initiatives. For citizens, the diverse range of media that have emerged as a result of technological advancements means that they can keep up-do-date with developments around the world, in real time. Combined, these developments mean that interaction between politicians and citizens is intensified.
Moreover, the information is flowing in two directions: Campaigns and initiatives launched from the blogosphere can be seen to influence the presentation of policy decisions, but also the policies themselves. In countries where traditional media are state controlled, social media have become a valuable mechanism to organize and execute protests, and express the "mood of the nation".
The International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy 2011 serves as a platform to explore and analyze these current international developments.
Symposium Locations »
Based in Berlin, the International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy 2011, will be hosted at a number of important political, historic, and cultural locations across the city. The conference will be covered by journalists from the "Berlin Calendar".The “Berlin Calendar” is co-hosted by NPR and the ICD.
Symposium Speakers »
Speakers during the Symposium will include leading figures and experts from international politics, academia, diplomacy, the private sectory, and civil society from across the world. These speakers will include a number of individuals from the ICD Advisory Board (for further information about the Advisory Board please click here).
Sustainable Network »
Symposium participants will become part of a growing international network of people from across the world of diverse interests and backgrounds who share a commitment to intercultural exchange. Participants will be able to remain in touch with each other through the ICD Networks.Symposium Participants »
The Symposium is open to applications from young professionals, students and scholars, diplomatic and political representatives, civil society practitioners, private sector figures, journalists, , and other interested stakeholders in international relations from across the world.If you would like to reserve a position please click on the Apply button below:
Certificate of Attendance
All participants will be awarded an official certificate of attendance upon completion of the program, which provides details about the speakers and topics at the conference. Each certificate will be signed by two members of the ICD's Advisory Board.
Participant Papers »
The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy encourages research and progressive thought on the fields of culture, globalization, and international relations. As such, the ICD welcomes participants of the Symposium to submit relevant papers addressing topics within these fields particular to their interests and passions. Participants can submit papers written in the past for other purposes or ongoing research, or written specifically for the conference. Groups of students are also allowed to submit collaborative pieces of work.
