Jagiellonian University Conference on Cultural Diplomacy
The Institute of Intercultural Studies of the Jagiellonian University, the Institute of European Studies of the Jagiellonian University, and the postgraduate programme in Cultural Diplomacy invite participants to attend the conference entitled “Cultural Diplomacy: The Importance of Good Relations and Cooperation in Times of Polarisation and Conflict.” Jacek Kuśmierski, Vice-Chair of the Eduard Petzold Foundation, will take part in the expert panel “What Does It Mean to Be an Ambassador of Polish Culture Today?”
The role of culture in international relations has always been significant, but it gained particular prominence in the twentieth century, when many countries began to institutionalise cultural diplomacy activities as an important component of public diplomacy. As states became increasingly active in this field, academic reflection on the objectives and methods of cultural diplomacy developed rapidly. In this context, scholars and practitioners frequently drew on concepts from political marketing and public relations, discussing issues such as nation branding, state image-building, and the notions of soft power and national branding. At the same time, other voices emphasised the importance of intercultural communication, dialogue, and the development of strong international cultural relations.
Today, different approaches to understanding and shaping cultural diplomacy must take into account entirely new challenges. The current international political situation invites renewed reflection on the role of public diplomacy. Questions arise concerning the role of cultural diplomacy in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the unprecedented developments in the Middle East, tensions among Member States of the European Union, and relations with the United States. At the same time, reflection is needed in response to profound technological transformations, including the rise of social media and artificial intelligence. These developments are associated with phenomena such as disinformation, information warfare, sharp power, and deepfakes, contributing to the creation of information bubbles as well as increasing social polarisation and radicalisation.
Jacek Kuśmierski, Vice-Chair of the Eduard Petzold Foundation, will participate in the panel discussion of graduates of the postgraduate programme in Cultural Diplomacy entitled “What Does It Mean to Be an Ambassador of Polish Culture Today?”
Organisers
- Institute of Intercultural Studies, Jagiellonian University
- Institute of European Studies, Jagiellonian University
- Postgraduate Programme in Cultural Diplomacy, Jagiellonian University
Organising Committee
- dr hab. Franciszek Czech, prof. UJ
- dr hab. Bożena Gierat-Bieroń, prof. UJ
- dr hab. Mariusz Dzięglewski, prof. UJ
Conference Patrons
- The Republic of Poland – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Radosław Sikorski
- The City of Krakow – Mayor of Krakow, Aleksander Miszalski
- Adam Mickiewicz Institute
- Robert Schuman Foundation Poland
- Young Diplomats Forum