Foundations of Cultural Diplomacy

Sound Bite

Dr. Laos provides an original, systematic theory of cultural diplomacy which opens a new way of thinking about diplomacy, politics and culture.

He investigates methodically the relationship between culture and politics and between the reality of the world and the reality of consciousness. In so doing, he articulates a new approach to international relations theory and the concept of power, one based on philosophical arguments about reality, history and freedom.

About the Book

Dr. Laos takes a stark and realistic look at the interplay between culture and politics and makes an intellectually challenging contribution to normative international relations theory. He proposes a new way of defining 'critical' political theory (substantially different from the Frankfurt School's approach) which leads to a new, dynamic understanding of history, and he argues that the chessboard of power is not so much on the surface of the earth as in the mental network formed by the communication between consciousnesses.

He presents an original explanation of the inherent inability of Realpolitik to account for reality, throwing light on deep and controversial questions of identity for Europe and the West in general.

Introduction

Existence means the continuity of a being. Consciousness, as consciousness of existence, aims at the preservation of the existence of a given being under the best possible terms. Thus, a conscious being aims not only at the preservation of its existence, but also at the improvement of its existential conditions. Therefore, the intentionality of consciousness operates as an impulse to participate in the world (since consciousness absorbs the world) and also as pure self-knowledge. These functions take place at three different levels ' namely: instinct, experience and intellect.

At the level of instinct, conscious activity is minimal, and existence reduces to the two basic instincts ' namely, those of survival and reproduction. Instinct is a highly formalized behavioural code which reflects the logic of organic nature. At the level of experience, the intentionality of consciousness is expressed through the functioning of the senses. The senses are oriented towards the external world, with which they connect existence. Experience is about the person finding himself in some situation, and being aware of it. At the level of intellect, reason plays an active role. Thus, the conscious mind perceives and thinks in non-linear ways and it influences perception. Through reason, conscious beings achieve their spiritual autonomy from nature. However, the spiritual maturity of humankind, i.e. its emancipation from natural/historical necessities, has been purchased at a high cost.

When the human being became fully aware of its freedom and responsibility to give meaning (i.e. a reason) to each and every object of consciousness, it came across a crucial question: on the basis of which criteria should one give meaning to things? In other words, which is the original source of the meaning of things? Thus, the drama of humanity's spiritual emancipation from the natural order of things was followed by the drama of the quest for the meaning of being, the ultimate purpose of existence.

The quest for the meaning of being is the essence of culture. In other words, I understand the term 'culture' as a human community's attempt to live meaningfully, i.e., as a community of people who are characterized by a consensus on the significance of certain things. Thus, culture endows people with criteria by which they can evaluate things and they can decide on how things ought to be. Hence, culture is intimately related to the articulation of moral and normative judgments. The fundamental issues which characterize a culture are the manner in which it understands truth as well as the manner in which it offers access to truth, i.e. knowledge.

Therefore, culture underpins and determines the political and economic structures created by human beings. From this perspective, at the most fundamental level, cultural diplomacy signifies an attempt of the practitioner of cultural diplomacy to influence the manner in which other members of the international system make moral and normative judgments and, therefore, the manner in which they behave as social-political beings. As a conclusion, every discussion about the foundations of cultural diplomacy reduces to a discussion about moral and normative issues, which are the basis of cultural diplomacy. In fact, there is a deep, reciprocal relationship between culture and norms.

The need for the development of a global cultural diplomacy was stressed in Milan, on 7 October 2010, by the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, on the occasion of the award ceremony for the honorary diploma in European and International Politics, as follows: Culture is the best gateway to the human heart and mind. -- We must build a lasting universal community of human beings drawing on values -- culture first and foremost, the essence of humanity. This is the task of the new humanism.

Globalization is no longer a matter of 'contact', as it was in the sixteenth century, but of sharing. How can we build a universal community in view of the diversity of peoples?

In the present book, based on Plato's philosophy, I attempt to provide answers to the ontological, epistemological and moral questions which emerge from the quest for a global cultural diplomacy and, more generally, from the quest for the articulation and deployment of a new humanism.

Information

In Foundations of Cultural Diplomacy: Politics Among Cultures and the Moral Autonomy of Man, Nicolas Laos presents a deep and intellectually stimulating exploration into the intricate relationship between culture, politics, and human morality. By weaving together political theory and cultural diplomacy, Laos crafts a compelling argument about how human consciousness and interaction shape the chessboard of power and influence. This book supplements academic analysis of international relations; it’s a philosophical treatise on how individuals, cultures, and states communicate and shape political outcomes across the globe.

Redefining Critical Political Theory: Laos offers a fresh perspective on critical political theory, deviating from the traditional approaches of the Frankfurt School. He argues that politics isn't confined to the visible maneuvers on the geopolitical stage but takes place in the complex network of human consciousness, thoughts, and cultural exchange. This new interpretation of political theory provides a dynamic understanding of history, urging readers to see political action as a reflection of deeper psychological and cultural factors. It’s a call to rethink our understanding of diplomacy, culture, and their profound impact on politics.

The Limitations of Realpolitik: Laos critically examines the concept of Realpolitik, arguing that it falls short in accounting for the reality of human political behavior and cultural interaction. By emphasizing hard power and national interests, Realpolitik overlooks the subtle yet powerful forces of cultural diplomacy and moral autonomy. Laos contends that true political power and influence extend beyond the physical borders of nations and reside within the minds and moral frameworks of individuals and societies. He brings to light how identity, culture, and moral values play a pivotal role in shaping political landscapes.

Culture, Identity, and Europe’s Role: Identity can be a complex and controversial notion, particularly within the context of Europe and the West. Laos explores the tensions between cultural traditions, political power, and the evolving nature of identity in a globalized world. As we re-think the place of Europe in the modern world, we can reflect on the historical, moral, and cultural forces that continue to influence its politics and international relations.

The Mental Chessboard of Power: A key concept in Laos’s work is the idea that the real chessboard of power lies not on the geopolitical stage but within the mental networks formed through communication between consciousnesses. This mental chessboard is shaped by cultural values, moral choices, and the way individuals and nations perceive themselves and each other. Through this lens, cultural diplomacy emerges as a powerful tool for shaping global politics, transcending traditional power politics, and fostering deeper understanding and cooperation.

Laos challenges conventional wisdom on power, culture, and international relations, pushing the boundaries of political theory and offering new insights into how culture and diplomacy can be used to achieve lasting political and social change. The book appeals to scholars of international relations, philosophy, and anyone interested in understanding the deeper moral and cultural forces that shape our world today.