«Cultural Diplomacy of Ukraine as a Tool for Shaping the International Image of the State (2014-2023)»
Students Name: Lohvina Daria Oleksandrivna
Qualification Level: magister
Speciality: International Relations
Institute: Institute of the Humanities and Social Sciences
Mode of Study: part
Academic Year: 2023-2024 н.р.
Language of Defence: ukrainian
Abstract: In recent years, there has been a marked surge in the recognition of cultural issues and their key role in diplomatic efforts. The changing landscape of international relations emphasizes the importance of the cultural dimension even in resolving military conflicts, as we have recently seen that our soldiers have the weapons to defend their country thanks to the titanic efforts of diplomats in the international arena, and this is also a result of the powerful influence of cultural diplomacy. A critical aspect of this settlement process is a keen understanding of cultural nuances, values, mentality and religious beliefs. Ignorance or incompetence in the field of culture can impede progress and the resolution of international conflict situations. Awareness of this becomes necessary to emphasize the role of cultural diplomacy as a fundamental link in establishing relations between different actors, such as organizations, institutions and countries. Object of study: cultural diplomacy of Ukraine. The subject of the study: development and transformation of Ukraine’s cultural diplomacy as a tool for shaping the country’s image in 2014-2022. The purpose of the study: to conduct a comprehensive analysis of initiatives in the field of cultural diplomacy aimed at identifying the multifaceted aspects of Ukraine’s cultural activity in the international arena, with a focus on the evolution, challenges and prospects of Ukraine’s cultural diplomacy in the period from 2014 to 2022. This master’s thesis explores the role of cultural diplomacy as a key factor in shaping Ukraine’s positive image in the international arena. In general, we can say that historically, the global image of Ukraine, especially in the field of cultural diplomacy, has not been a priority for government agencies, which did not have a comprehensive strategy for promoting Ukraine’s culture and history to foreign audiences. It was only since 2014 that progress was made in areas such as cultural diplomacy and discussions on public diplomacy, culminating in the adoption of key strategic plans such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Public Diplomacy Strategy 2021. In particular, in this paper, we note the following key points regarding the development of cultural diplomacy as a tool for shaping the image of the state: ? Until 2014, Ukraine’s cultural diplomacy was weak and invisible against the backdrop of the Soviet legacy. ? After the Revolution of Dignity, there were radical changes in the vision of Ukraine and its culture, which gave impetus to the development of cultural diplomacy. ? As of 2021, Ukraine already has competitive cultural exports and holds good positions in world rankings. ? Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 has led to unprecedented global attention to Ukraine and its culture, which opens up new opportunities despite numerous threats and challenges. Over the past nine years, Ukraine has undergone a profound transformation, evident not only in the economic and political spheres, but also in the cultural sphere. The country’s rhetoric, discourse, and global outlook have changed. Once a part of the Russian cultural space, Ukraine now asserts its distinctive, strong and ancient cultural heritage that resonates with European and global audiences. In the absence of catalyzing historical factors, Ukraine’s cultural diplomacy might have looked very different, and perhaps even non-existent. Another important factor that helps Ukraine’s cultural diplomacy spread its soft influence around the world is the Ukrainian diaspora abroad, as well as a new separate group, Ukrainians abroad. It can be clearly seen that the Ukrainian diaspora has been a solid foundation for the spread of cultural diplomacy and the nurturing of Ukrainian culture abroad since the first years of Ukraine’s independence. In today’s world, we also have the unique phenomenon of the influence of a large number of Ukrainians (mostly women) on the cultural discourse in the world, because having fled the war, they begin to help spread information about the history, culture, and traditions of their native people in the countries where they found themselves because of the war. And we can say that the potential of working with the Ukrainian community abroad has not yet been fully realized by the institutional bodies of our country and the government, because now we have a great chance to maximize our zone of influence of soft diplomacy by using interpersonal connections and the influence of Ukrainians abroad. In order to fully understand the current state of development of Ukraine’s soft power, future prospects, threats, and opportunities for the realization of Ukraine’s soft power were also presented. Currently, Ukraine’s cultural diplomacy faces many challenges and threats, but also opportunities and prospects for development. Ukraine has a rich cultural heritage, but faces serious threats from Russia’s military invasion and the culture war. As the country is in the center of global attention, Ukraine has a great opportunity to capitalize on its cultural heritage through expanded diplomatic efforts. This requires urgent support for struggling institutions and countering Russia’s broad projection of power. If Ukraine can strategically invest in sustainable cultural diplomacy programs with partners around the world, it can preserve its national identity while gaining vital international support. Both the Ukrainian state and its citizens must mobilize around cultural diplomacy to turn the tide against Russian imperialist aggression. Keywords: cultural diplomacy; soft power; MFA; culture; ar REFERENCES 1. Budkov D.V., Vedeneyev D.V. The word of truth about Ukraine. International information activity of the Ukrainian state. 1917-1920. Monograph. - K.: K.I.S., 2004. - 235 p. 2. Cultural Diplomacy of Ukraine as a Response to the Challenges of Time: European Component (Review based on press, Internet and unpublished documents for 2014-2015). URL: http://www.nplu.org/storage/files/Infocentr/Tematich_ogliadi/2015/2015_cultu re2.pdf. 3. Kapitonenko M.G. "Soft power" in modern world politics: Theoretical aspects. Actual problems of international relations. Issue 94 (Part II). Kyiv: Institute of International Relations, 2010. С. 20-29.