According to Joseph Nye “cultural diplomacy is a prime example of ‘soft power’ or the ability to persuade through culture, value, and ideas as opposed to ‘hard power’ which conquers or coerces through military might.” Although cultural diplomacy is a concept that has been practiced throughout history, it gained particular prominence in the aftermath of World War II with its devastating suffering and loss on a global scale. In recent times, cultural diplomacy has served to present countries as both attractive locations in the context of global competition for markets and reliable international partners.

This round table will bring together representatives of several prominent cultural diplomatic institutions to discuss their institutions’ understanding of and approaches to cultural diplomatic activity, and the future prospects for cultural diplomacy in a globalizing world.

Moderating the round table will be Adrian Shubert, a professor of history and York’s Associate Vice-President International.

Participants confirmed to participate in the discussion are (with more to follow):
– Dr. Arpad Sölter (Director of the Goethe Institute Toronto)
– Mr. Masayuki Suzuki (Director of the Japan Foundation Toronto)

This event will be held within the context of the 2008 CCGES Fortbildungsseminar, an annual gathering which seeks to broaden and deepen the understanding of of a topic or theme related to contemporary Germany and Europe by Canadian academics working in relevant fields.

Time: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Location: 280 York Lanes

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For information on reaching York University’s Keele Campus by public transportation or car, please visit: http://www.yorku.ca/yorkweb/maps/keele.htm