2011: Hard Vs. Soft Power in Global and National Politics: Innovative Concepts of Smart Power and Cultural Diplomacy in an Age of Interdependence, Digital Revolution, and Social Media
The 2011: Hard Vs. Soft Power in Global and National Politics: Innovative Concepts of Smart Power and Cultural Diplomacy in an Age of Interdependence, Digital Revolution, and Social Media The 2011 conference will bring together renowned speakers from across the world to discuss how traditional concepts of power and influence are being redefined by globalization, the digital revolution and the emergence of social media. Held annually in Berlin, the program will consist of keynote speeches, lectures, panel discussions and social activities that will provide the audience with an opportunity to gain insights, reflect on, discuss and debate the salient issues. The change over the past two decades from an international system based on independent nation states to an interdependent world facing global challenges has been widely explored and analyzed. At the level of international relations the change is accompanied by a growing understanding of the importance of global public goods. In addition, the digital communication technologies and social media are revolutionizing the interaction between politicians and citizens. For politicians, new technologies are providing an easier, cheaper way of informing a broad range of people about new policies, opinions, and initiatives. For citizens, the diverse range of media that have emerged as a result of technological advancements means that they can keep up-do-date with developments around the world, in real time. Combined, these developments mean that interaction between politicians and citizens is intensified. Moreover, the information is flowing in two directions: Campaigns and initiatives launched from the blogosphere can be seen to influence the presentation of policy decisions, but also the policies themselves. In countries where traditional media are state controlled, social media have become a valuable mechanism to organize and execute protests, and express the mood of the nation. The 2011 is being hosted to explore and analyze these developments.
Symposium Speakers Speakers during the Symposium will include leading figures and experts from international politics, academia, the diplomatic community, civil society and the private sector, from across the world. These speakers will include a number of individuals from the ICD Advisory Board. Certificate of Attendance All participants will be awarded an official certificate of attendance upon completion of the program, which will provide details of the speakers who took part and the topics discussed. Each certificate will be signed by two members of the ICD s Advisory Board. Sustainable Network Symposium participants will become part of a growing international network of people from across the world with different fields of interest and levels of experience, who share a commitment to intercultural exchange. Participants will be able to remain in touch with each other through the ICD Online Network. Symposium Participants The Symposium is open to applications from diplomatic and political representatives, civil society practitioners, private sector figures, journalists, young professionals, students and scholars, and other interested stakeholders in international relations from across the world. Symposium Locations The conference will be based in Berlin and will be hosted at a number of important political, historic, and cultural locations across the city.
Symposium Agenda The 2011 will focus in particular on the following issues: The Digital Revolution, Social Media, and the Information Age: Redefining Politics The technological developments of the information age are having a profound impact on how politicians and leaders communicate with citizens, and on how citizens and communities interact with one another and mobilize themselves. Within this context, the traditional media is increasingly under pressure from citizenship journalism on the one hand, and the 24-hour news cycle on the other. Combined, these changes in communication and interaction are redefining how politics and foreign policy is determined, carried out, analyzed, and understood. Protest, Revolution and Democracy in Northern Africa and the Middle East: The Role of Technology in Empowering Citizens (Focus: Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Syria, Morocco, Iran, Bahrain, Yemen, Citizen Journalism, Foreign Correspondents, i-reporters) Social Media and the Internet: Redefining the Distribution of Power between Governments and Citizens (Focus: The Blogosphere, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Online Censorship, Protests, Anonymity, Propaganda, Redistributing Power and Influence) Wikileaks and Online Whistleblowers: Exposing Corruption or Corrupt Exposure? (Focus: WikiLeaks, Modern Diplomacy, Diplomatic Immunity, Accountability, International Law, Censorship, Freedom of Information) Innovative Concepts of Cultural Diplomacy and the Impact of Culture on International Relations Today The application of cultural diplomacy, which was used widely by both sides during the Cold War, has risen again to the forefront of contemporary foreign policy strategies. Winning hearts and minds abroad is now broadly acknowledged as essential to most foreign policy objectives. A changing security environment, globalization and economic interdependence, and religious tension, have all highlighted the value of relations built on dialogue, understanding, and trust. The Relationship between Culture, International Relations and Globalization (Focus: The Role of Culture in Global Politics, Winning Hearts and Minds, Diaspora Communities as Cultural Ambassadors or Political Agitators? Cosmopolitanism, Multiculturalism, Global Citizenship, Cultural Relativism, The Concept of Universal Human Rights) European and US activity to promote Democracy and Human Rights Abroad (Focus: The External Action Service, European NGOs, development aid)
The Role of Cultural Diplomacy in Contemporary International Relations and it s Contribution to a Positive National Brand (Focus: The EU, The US, Civil Society Initiatives, Dialogue and Exchange between Countries and Cultures, Non-State Actors, Cooperation on Global Public Goods, Nation Branding, International Reputation) Innovative Forms of Cultural Diplomacy: Influencing Opinion Amongst Citizens in Foreign Countries (Focus: The EU, The US, Hip-Hop and Rock & Roll Diplomacy, Ping-Pong Diplomacy, Peacebuilding, Art as a Catalyst for Cultural Diplomacy, Sports as Cultural Diplomacy) Cultural Understanding as a Form of Soft Power and its Importance for International Relations (Focus: Intercultural and Inter-Faith Dialogue, Academic Exchange, Business Exchange, Political Exchange, Building Understanding and Trust between Peoples and Nations) Integration and Immigration at the level of the European Union (Focus: Economic migration, internal immigration, education policy, citizenship legislation, citizenship tests) Soft and Smart Power in Contemporary Foreign Policy The relationship between hard and soft power is intricate, yet of fundamental importance national governments in the contemporary international environment. The use of one may undermine the other, and the combination of both, so-called smart power, requires a thorough understanding of the political context, and considerable resources. Whether to apply hard, smart, or soft power to pursue a foreign policy objective is the key question facing foreign policy makers today. Moving Towards Smart Power: Smart Power in Domestic and International Politics (Focus: The EU, The US, New Power Paradigms, National Interests and Multilateralism, the Evolution and Rise of Civil Society, Innovation and Civil Participation, Power Sharing, Balancing Soft and Hard Power) Soft and Normative Power: The Importance and Power of Attraction in International Politics and Economics (Focus: The EU, the US, Scandinavia, Asia, Democracy, Legitimacy, the UN, International Law, Human Rights, Trade and Investment) Analyzing the Acquisition and Application of Soft Power (Focus: The EU, The US, Government to Government, Government to Citizen, and Citizen to Citizen Communication; Economic Benefit, Human Rights, Free and Open Markets, Humanitarian Aid, Military and Infrastructure Support, Development Aid, Relief Delegations) Using Hard Power without Losing Soft Power: When is it Appropriate and Necessary to use Hard Power? (Focus: Humanitarian Intervention, Genocide, Human Rights Violations, Dictatorships, Energy Security, Terrorism, Weapons of Mass Destruction, The Use of Hard Power Resources to Produce Soft Power)
The European Union as a normative power: Regional brand and international Image (Focus: Nation/place branding, cultural diplomacy, EU legitimacy, European NGOs, international sporting events) Developments, Challenges and Opportunities in the Evolving World Order The conduct and aims of foreign policy for national governments have changed significantly over the past two decades, and continues to evolve today. New actors at all levels, new strategies, new goals, and new forms of communication and interaction have all combined to produce an uncertain global landscape. Within this framework, the roles and responsibilities of regional and international organizations must evolve to reflect this changing context. The Global Challenges of Climate Change and Natural Disasters and their Influence on International Relations (Focus: Haiti, Japan, UN Conferences, Emissions Trading, Pollution, Manufacturing) The Future of the United Nations in a Globalized World: Revision and Reform (Focus: Security Council Reform, Humanitarian Intervention, International Peacekeeping, The Responsibility to Protect, Climate Change, Democracy Promotion) Rethinking National Interests: Global Public Goods and Foreign Policy (Focus: The EU, Climate Change and the Environment, Economic Migration, National Security, Healthcare) Moving Beyond a Clash of Civilizations (Focus: Post-Huntington Global Society, Islam and Islamism, Christianity and Christian Fundamentalism, Israel/Palestine, International Civil Society, Development and Conflict, the Role of the Media in Shaping our Perceptions of the World)
Locations German Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) Few buildings have experienced Berlin s turbulent history to the extent of the German Foreign Ministry. Built between 1934 and 1940 as an extension of the German Reichsbank, the building was used by the National Socialists to formulate economic policy and the financing of the Second World War. More recently, it was here that the treaty for the reunification of Germany was signed. Although the building has been modernised and expanded, care has been take to preserve its character and unique history. European House Berlin Berlin s European House is located in the heart of the city, on the famous boulevard Unter den Linden. The building is situated opposite the Adalon, one of the world s most exclusive hotels, and a short walk from Pariser Platz, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Reichstag. The location is home to the European Commission representation in Germany. German Parliament The seat of the German Parliament, the Reichstag, is closely linked to the modern history of Berlin. Burnt down under suspicious circumstances in 1933, stranded in No-Man s Land during the Cold War, and then unwrapped as the home of the German Parliament once again in 1995. The glass dome on the roof of the building, designed by British architect Sir Norman Foster, symbolizes the transparency of modern German government institutions. ICD House for Arts & Culture The ICD House of Arts & Culture (ICD House) is a multi-purpose location that has been designed to support Berlin s civil society and the city s diverse cultural communities by providing a platform for their activities. Run by the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, its purpose is to raise awareness of and celebrate the city s cultural diversity amongst the general public as well as providing a forum for discussion on salient political and cultural issues from across the world.
Soft power is the ability to get what you want through attraction rather than coercion or payments. It arises from the attractiveness of a country s culture, political ideals, and policies. When our policies are seen as legitimate in the eyes of others, our soft power is enhanced. Joseph S. Nye Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD) Kurfürstendamm 207-208 - D-10719 Berlin, Phone: +49 (0)30 2360-7680, Fax: +49 (0)30 2360-76811 E-mail: symposium@culturaldiplomacy.org, Website: www.culturaldiplomacy.org