Culture and International History, III
December 19-21, 2005.
Frankfurt am Main, Germany

In collaboration with the Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main and the Center for North American Studies, icd hosted in December 2005 the third academic conference on Culture and International History. The conference was intended to bring together scholars from all five continents to discuss their research and identify new trends of investigation in the areas of culture and international relations. Over three days of dialogue 50 distinguished participants, primarily from the academic sector, engaged in 15 different panel discussions. They addressed such topics as cultural relations between the U.S. and Europe during the Cold War, propaganda and cultural diplomacy in Italy and technology as cultural diplomacy, to name a few. Roughly 45 academic papers were presented, some of which will contribute to the publication of the newest book in the series, Explorations in Culture and International History.

Cultural Barriers of Expanding Business Abroad Part 2 of Series: Cultural Diplomacy in International Business
May 11, 2005
Bucharest, Romania

Since the 1990’s, Eastern Europe has emerged as a major focus in international business expansion. This second conference in the Cultural Diplomacy in International Business series highlighted the distinction of Romanian identity, both in the European cultural and business context, and its status as an emerging player in the international and European markets.

In cooperation with AT Concepts and the Institutul Cultural Rôman, and hosted by the Romanian Cultural Institute, speakers focused on both Romanian and European perceptions of international business climates, and on the role of culture and operational risk in management. Two independent business case studies were examined: Softwin in Germany, and Lufthansa in Romania. The evening concluded with a classical music concert by the Praetorius Wind Quintet.

icd and GAIN Conference Building Transatlantic Relations through Women in Business The Reichstag
June 18-20, 2004

Female professionals from Europe, North, and South America joined in the historic Reichstag building in Berlin for the conference, aimed at bringing increased understanding and awareness to the significant role that women play in global and transatlantic business relations.

This conference was held in association with G.A.I.N.

Cultural Diplomacy in Arts and Education
March 27-28, 2004
April 3-4, 2004
Columbia University, New York

The beginnings of cultural exchange are first introduced in the course of a child’s education. In association with the Teacher’s College of Columbia University, icd was proud to host a workshop spanning two consecutive weekends regarding cultural diplomacy in education, arts, media, and the state. The conference participants included journalists, researchers, art and museum directors, filmmakers and public servants, as well as teachers and faculty.

British and European Cultures Today: “Clash of Civilizations or New Entente Cordiale?”
December 17, 2003
Paris

Through its sponsorship of the Euro-British forum, the institute for cultural diplomacy welcomed Mr. John Litchfield, journalist with The Independent, to present his view on the status of relations within the European Union, specifically between Great Britain and her European counterparts. Led by icd’s Paris Bureau, the forum was conducted in partnership with Mr. Stefen Bunard of Europe Plus and Mr. Frank Biancheri of Newropeans.

After the War: A Clash of Cultures under Occupation
October 18, 2003
New York, NY

Though often overlooked, the understanding of culture’s role in post-war Iraq is central to the success of the nation’s rebuilding. As a part of the series “Shifting Perceptions of the Middle East,” Cooper Union and the institute for cultural diplomacy joined efforts to welcome Saman Zia-Zarifi, Deputy Director of the Asia Division of Human Rights Watch, Moustafa Bayoumi, Professor and Editor of The Edward Said Reader, and Ruth Fremson, New York Times photographer of the conflict.

In the increasingly complex post-9/11 world, a cultural divide has emerged between the United States and the Middle East. The objective of this series was to provide a nuanced discourse regarding the Iraqi occupation through the lens of culture. The event encompassed an examination of US culturally sensitive policies, democratization, and the prospects of cultural discourse as a means to avert conflict.

ICD Berlin Press Conference
October 15, 2003
Berlin, Germany

Canadian Ambassador Marie Bernard-Meunier and icd held a press conference to publicize the inaugural year of the "Canadian-German Young Leaders Forum."

Classic Meets Jazz
May 7-8 2003

Shifting Perceptions of the Middle East/ Case Study of US-Iran Relations: What Can Culture Do?
April 2, 2003
New York, NY

The nation of Iran is often viewed through the eyes of politicians and journalists, while the vibrancy of Persian culture is often overlooked. The institute for cultural diplomacy’s first New York edition in its Forum for Young Leaders, in cooperation with the Asia Society, sought to transgress the preconceived views of Iran with a special glimpse into the world of Iranian filmmaking and the process’ political disposition.

Professor Hamid Dabashi, an expert of Iranian film and Chairman of the Middle East and Asian Cultures and Languages Department at Columbia University, presented an introduction to contemporary Iranian cinema and its effects on the perceptions of Iranian culture throughout the world. Acclaimed Iranian short-film artist Shirin Neshat screened one of her films and commented on the political implications therein. In an effort to understand the broader context, Professor of Political science and Law at Tehran University Nasser Hadian offered a general sketch of Iranian contemporary culture, including the role and views of youth, the status of women in society, the dynamic political climate, and perceptions within Iran of the West.

The Role of Culture in the French-American Bilateral Dialogue in the Twentieth Century (Part 2)
New York, New York
July 26, 2002

The daylong conference held at le Maison de française de Columbia University, entailed not only panel discussions and presentations, but also interactive seminars examining the status of French-American relations and the diplomatic significance of cultural interaction.

The presentation, “The Framework of Globalization: Is it the Motor of a French-American Clash?” opened the event. Further topics included the role of jazz cadence in America and its ability to relate to French culture, insight into French negotiating behavior and perceptions of “la grand nation,” and the Paris-New York Axis, particularly its status as cultural protectionism or state-sponsored cultural diplomacy. In-depth seminars evaluated the transatlantic perspectives on cultural images, stereotypes, and public discourse, as well as the role of government in culture and intercultural relations.

Active presenters and moderators in the conference included: Volker Berghahn, Chuck Cogan, Mark Donfried of icd, Martin Evan, Jean-René Gehan, John Glenn, Robert O’Meally, Richard Peña, Leah Pisar, Parajmit Sahai, Cynthia P. Schneider, and Michael Z. Wize.

The Role of Culture in the French-American Bilateral Dialogue in the Twentieth Century à France Amériques 9/11, avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt, Paris
June 21, 2002

Après le grand succès de la dernière conférence à Berlin, le 12 avril 2002, nous vous invitons à la prochaine conférence de l´institute for cultural diplomacy, qui se tiendra à Paris le 21 juin 2002 à France-Amériques et aura pour thème « le rôle de la culture dans les relations franco-américaines au XX siècle ». Cette conférence est la deuxième d'une série de six, dont les suivantes auront lieu dans les mois à venir dans les carrefours culturels internationaux que sont New York, Berlin, Prague et Saint Petersbourg.

Notre objectif est bien entendu que ces conférences puissent initier un réel dialogue multilatéral entre les leaders culturels, politiques, et économiques. C'est avec plaisir que nous vous invitons à y participer. Vous trouverez au verso de cette page des informations sur le déroulement de la conférence. N'hésitez pas à consulter notre site internet: www.culturaldiplomacy.org pour plus d’information.

“A Clash of Civilizations? The Cultural Bridges and Chasms produced by Globalization”
Berlin, Germany
April 12, 2002

The role of culture has never been more worthy of discussion in the context of the international politics in today’s globalized world. Culture can be both a uniting and a dividing force on the world political stage, and “A Clash of Civilizations? The Cultural Bridges and Chasms produced by Globalization” examined culture’s changing influence in international relations and the media.

The discussions began with evaluations of the role of government in cultural diplomacy and the impact of globalization on cultural protectionism. Further issues included soft power sustainability, governmental roles in cultural development, so-called “Americanization,” and images of culture in the media and in film.

The participants included, Aldo Civico of the Center for International Conflict Resolution at Columbia University, Prof. Dr. Blumenthal, Director of the Jewish Museum of Berlin, film director Darnell S. Summers, the Ambassadors of Singapore, Chile, Korea, and Hungary, and the jazz saxophonist “Detroit” Gary Wiggens. Performances included a choreographed dance entitled “Dialogue” by Marc Bogaerts and a piano concert by Michael Hersch. “Detroit” Gary Wiggens concluded the evening with smooth jazz.

The Impact of Cultural Diplomacy on International Business
Frankfurt am Main
April 5, 2002

In the first in a three-part series, this conference addressed the scope of culture in international business, and the economic realities facing the private sector in international business relations. Further issues included cultural perceptions in the new markets and exchanges in political issues within the home governments.

Keynote speakers included Professor and Ambassador Cynthia Schneider of Georgetown University and Professor Matthias Kipping of the Department of Economics at the Universität Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona. An esteemed panel discussed the role of culture in the international arena: Mr. Roman Martens, CFO of IMS Health Germany, Mr. Per Fischer, International Banking Expert of Central and Eastern Europe with Commerzbank AG, Professor Schneider, Professor Kipping, and Matthew B. Murrell, Executive Director of the institute for cultural diplomacy. Dr. Sebastian Klein of Global Head Private Banking at Commerzbank AG and Murat Ünal of the Kellogg Alumni Club of Germany represented cooperating institutions and sponsors.

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