Britain’s Cultural Diplomacy in China
Author
Yin, Youwei
Term
4. term
Publication year
2014
Abstract
Specialet undersøger, hvordan og hvorfor Storbritannien prioriterer kulturdiplomati i relationen til Kina. Med udgangspunkt i en empirisk gennemgang af organisationer, aktiviteter og effekter—med særligt fokus på British Councils rolle samt nyere højniveaumekanismer og aftaler—klargøres centrale begreber (kultur, kulturdiplomati, kulturelle relationer) og deres forhold til offentlig diplomati og “soft power”. Analytisk anvendes Alexander Wendts konstruktivisme, især hans begreber om identitet og interesser samt de tre kulturer af anarki, til at belyse motiver og udvikling i britisk praksis. Specialet konkluderer, at Storbritannien, som en kulturel og uddannelsesmæssig stormagt og demokratisk stat, betragter Kina som en omfattende strategisk partner og aktivt vedligeholder tætte kulturelle relationer for at fremme forståelse og tillid, skabe et positivt internationalt image og understøtte økonomiske gevinster og nationale interesser.
This thesis examines how and why the United Kingdom prioritizes cultural diplomacy in its relations with China. Drawing on an empirical overview of the key organizations, activities, and outcomes—highlighting the British Council’s role alongside recent high-level mechanisms and agreements—it clarifies core concepts (culture, cultural diplomacy, cultural relations) and their links to public diplomacy and soft power. The analysis applies Alexander Wendt’s constructivism, focusing on identity, interests, and the three cultures of anarchy, to explain the drivers and evolution of British practice. The thesis concludes that the UK, as a cultural and educational power and a democratic state, regards China as a comprehensive strategic partner and sustains close cultural ties to foster understanding and trust, shape a positive image domestically and globally, and advance economic benefits and national interests.
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