Dr Charlotte Faucher, Senior Lecturer in the Department of French, has published a new report and policy briefing which examines three decades of UK cultural diplomacy and offers insights for shaping future soft power strategies.
This timely report examines UK cultural relations and soft power in Europe since the fall of the Berlin Wall. It identifies the long-term patterns, trends and geopolitical shifts that have shaped policy and practice, combining literature review, archival research, oral history, stakeholder interviews and qualitative analysis. It seeks to address present-day policy challenges and opportunities in light of the experience of the past, taking us from the end of the Cold War and the subsequent expansion of the European Union right up to the present day.
As well as offering policy recommendations on the future of UK soft power strategy in Europe, the report also provides broader historical insight into the role and impact of cultural diplomacy and cultural relations within international affairs. Its emphasis on personal testimony and the lived experience of current and former policy actors and practitioners allows the analysis to go beyond the purely quantitative metrics that sometimes fail to capture markers of success.
In a world fragmented by wars and conflicts, including in Europe, the report argues powerfully that cultural diplomacy is not a luxury; it is a strategic necessity. It draws on the lessons of the past to show how the UK can reinvigorate its cultural presence and soft power across Europe, ensuring it remains a trusted and influential partner in shaping the continent’s future.
The report and a shorter policy brief are available via these links:
Full report: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/policybristol/policy-engagement-projects/soft-power-uk
Briefing: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/policybristol/policy-briefings/soft-power-uk