CULTURAL POLICY AND CULTURAL DIPLOMACY: COMMON AND DISTINCTIVE FEATURES

Abstract

Amid polarization of the current global political landscape, cultural policy, along with cultural diplomacy, is gaining special importance.
The article discusses the problems of using culture as an instrument of state foreign policy. It also analyzes the problematic definitions of “cultural diplomacy” and “cultural policy”, which refer to the concepts of public diplomacy, citizen diplomacy,
foreign cultural policy, and “soft power”.
It is believed that the most important goals of cultural diplomacy are creating a positive image of the country and its values, popularizing the country’s language and culture, and attracting people, foreign investment, and political allies to the country for tourism and education.
Cultural policy is a broad framework and strategy for the development, management, and support of culture by the state or organizations, encompassing areas such as fine arts, museums, traditions, cultural heritage, and education. It aims to
support the development of national or local culture, organize cultural life, and increase accessibility. Cultural policy mainly targets local communities.
In the era of modern globalization, where countries engage in continuous cultural and information exchange, the importance of cultural diplomacy, along with cultural policy, is increasing. The paper discusses the theoretical foundations of both, their goals, and examples of practical application in the international arena.