ifa Repositorium zur Auswärtigen Kultur- und Bildungspolitik (AKBP)
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The New Nationalisms and the Future of Cultural Relations
This paper explores the impact of rising nationalism on soft power by analysing the external cultural policies (ECP) of eight countries: Germany, France, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom, the United States, China, Russia, and Turkey. It argues that ECP will increasingly operate in a zero-sum international environment shaped by nationalism, with its domestic effects varying across nations. While institutions in France are more exposed to nationalist influence, the ‘arm’s length’ principle offers greater protection in the UK and Germany, and the diversity of private actors serves as a protective buffer in the United States. Nationalistic ECP in China, Russia, and Turkey is anticipated to grow, while Poland exemplifies institutional resistance to nationalism. The paper then proceeds into a case study of the current discourse in Germany, contrasting the views of different nationalist parties about German ECP. Finally, recommendations are proposed for countries like Germany and other European nations: support the arm’s-length principle of key institutions; enhance coordination among ECP actors domestically and within the EU; shield against malign foreign influence; create and communicate anti-nationalist narratives; proactively leveraging existing strengths and opportunities
UK Arts, culture and young people
The British Council commissioned this research as part of its international cultural relations activity focusing on the transformative power of arts and culture. This work promotes artistic and cultural expression in the widest sense and recognises its potential for a more inclusive and sustainable future through supporting artists, cultural practitioners, and underrepresented groups.
The research forms part of an exploration into how youth participation and leadership in the arts and culture can contribute to more inclusive and sustainable development. The information and insight gathered is being shared as a resource to help inform potential opportunities for building meaningful international connections, relationships, and learning.
The research intends to provide an up-to-date, although not exhaustive, account of the key issues that young people taking part in arts and cultural activities are facing, and how creative practice is responding to these needs.
It intends to be useful for arts and cultural organisations, practitioners, funders, and policymakers to better understand current practice and provision for different groups of young people in diverse geographical areas.
Ultimately it is hoped that the research can encourage further discussion and action to ensure that all young people have access to high-quality arts and cultural opportunities and that those supporting them to do so can be better networked and resourced to enable them to fulfil their creative potential
"Relocating" the Russian Cultural Scene
The cultural, economic and political spheres in Armenia and Georgia have significantly changed due to a sharp increase in migrants from Russia and Ukraine. This study analyses the central changes following the migrant influx in both countries (including in terms of cultural narratives and cultural economy), and examines how the political views and creative strategies of cultural actors in both countries have been influenced by these and other related factors. This study looks specifically into the integration of Russian cultural workers in Armenia and Georgia and proposes recommendations to mitigate social and cultural tensions between migrants and locals, and to facilitate a smoother integration process
Next Generation Sudan
Next Generation Sudan explores the needs, potential, and aspirations of young people in the country. The research seeks to analyse the conditions that support young people and allow them to reach their potential as fulfilled, productive and active citizens. As Sudan is experiencing a period of notable change, this research aims to ensure that young people’s voices are heard, no matter their background or gender, and their interests properly represented in decisions that will have lasting implications for their lives. The research also includes a series of recommendations based on supporting policy change
Russian Federation: at a glance
Russia’s ECP has a strong ideological dimension that emphasizes “sovereign democracy,” introduced by Vladislav Surkov in 2006 to characterize modern Russia, as well as traditional values of faith, family, and fatherland. Compared with the US and its espousal of universalist principles, Russia is a more reactive and opportunistic global power with its distinctly conservative and parochialistic approach. Similar to China, Russia subordinates civil liberties to national security and this has made the country subject to criticism of its political system. After the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia’s relationship with the EU and the US reached an all-time low since the end of the Cold War (Bertelsmann Stiftung, 2022). Under Putin’s regime, Russia has become more authoritarian, with a crackdown on civil society and ever-expanding control of the media, especially since 2022
Perspectives Beyond Relocation
This paper examines the situation of artists newly arriving in Europe from countries where their freedom of expression is severely restricted. The authors argue that international temporary relocation programmes offer at-risk artists temporary protection and initial support, but do not provide them with long-term perspectives for continuing their work. Based on a qualitative study, this paper elaborates on the needs of newly arrived artists and proposes recommendations for more sustainable means of support and working opportunities as well as for potential for joint strategies by means of transnational cooperation. The authors argue that, for newly arriving at-risk artists, diaspora communities and diasporic cultural organisations can be significant catalysts for facilitating a smoother arrival in the new country. They recommend that funding and cultural institutions strengthen diasporic initiatives in their important bridging role and recognise their contribution to international cultural work
The "Right to Freedom of Artistic Expression" and Cultural Relativism
In an era marked by escalating geopolitical conflict and the backsliding of democratic values, the global landscape is witnessing a concerning surge in the suppression of artistic voices. While civil society and governments are awakening to the imperative of safeguarding the rights of artists to imagine and create freely, the movement to defend artistic freedoms finds itself at a crucial juncture. Two significant challenges confront this nascent movement: the under-discussion of "artistic freedom" within international legal forums and the underutilisation of international law's potential to defend and promote the rights of artists. This article endeavours to address these lacunae by exploring how artistic freedoms can be understood within established frameworks of international law. At its core, restrictions on and interferences with artistic expression pose a fundamental question for the interpretation and application of international legal principles: how should the diverse cultural norms, traditions and values in states be reconciled with the universal imperative to protect artists' rights? This inquiry lies at the heart of our exploration, as we seek to unravel the complexities and offer pragmatic recommendations to civil society organisations (CSOs) operating in this sphere
Vers un développement plus durable
Quel est le rôle des organisations multilatérales dans la mise en œuvre du programme de développement durable des Nations unies et quelle est l'importance des relations culturelles dans ce débat ? Ce rapport reflète les points de vue exprimés lors de la conférence 2023 de l'ICRRA "Vers un développement plus durable. Les organisations multilatérales et les relations culturelles dans l'agenda 2030 et au-delà". Les auteurs et autrices formulent des recommandations sur la manière dont la culture peut et doit être utilisée pour atteindre les ODD : ils soulignent l'importance des droits culturels et celle de la réflexion sur les dynamiques de pouvoir et la représentation pour un multilatéralisme plus inclusif.What is the role of multilateral organisations in delivering the Sustainable Development Agenda and what is the significance of Cultural Relations for this discussion? This report reflects the views expressed at the 2023 ICRRA Conference Towards More Sustainable Development. Multilateral organisations and cultural relations in the 2030 agenda and beyond. The authors formulate recommendations on how culture can and should be used to reach the SDGs: They stress the importance of Cultural Rights and the reflection on power dynamics and representation for a more inclusive multilateralism