SAUDI CULTURAL DIPLOMACY

[The Various Roles of Cultural Diplomacy: Saudi Cultural Diplomacy as a Case Study]

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I [type your full name here], declare that the following dissertation and its entire content has been an individual, un-aided effort and have not been submitted or published before. Furthermore, it reflects my opinion and take on the topic and is does not represent the opinion of the University.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTii

DECLARATIONiii

CHAPTER 1- INTRODUCTION1

Purpose of Research1

Relevance to Diplomacy3

Research Objectives4

Research Questions5

Dissertation Outline5

CHAPTER 2- METHODOLOGY7

Introduction7

Research Philosophy8

Research Approach8

Research Design Strategies9

Desk Research10

Field Research10

Research Choices11

Time Horizons12

Techniques and Procedures13

Limitations - Bias13

Ethical Issues14

CHAPTER 03- LITERATURE REVIEW17

Culture as an Instrument of Public Diplomacy17

Restructuring Cultural Diplomacy18

Theoretical Framework of Cultural Diplomacy20

Saudi Arab's Cultural Diplomacy22

Challenges and Conflicts in Saudi Cultural Diplomacy23

Policy of Saudi International Relations and its Diplomatic Strategies25

CHAPTER 04- PRIMARY RESEARCH RESULTS AND FINDINGS27

Literature Review27

Interviews28

CHAPTER 06- CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS43

APPENDIX A- INTERVIEWS52

The Various Roles of Cultural Diplomacy: Saudi Cultural Diplomacy as a Case Study

CHAPTER 1- INTRODUCTION

Purpose of Research

The inclusive role of culture in a country's foreign policy has grown to an unimaginable extent over the last decade wherein new terminologies such as “public diplomacy”, “cultural diplomacy” and “soft power” have been brought to light (Nye, 2004, pp. 100-456). These terminologies translate into the use of soft powers like wider cultural operations and dialogues to harness relationships with other countries in contrast to the use of hard power which means to utilize arms and ammunitions with political overpowering., Consequently, Saudi Arabia has undertaken measures to enhance the country's image across the world, taking “cultural diplomacy” on a whole new level.

The purpose of the research is to explore the Cultural Diplomacy from Saudi Arabia's perspective, exploring how the multi-faceted national interests of the country has led it to adopt cultural diplomacies in a globalized world. This dissertation examines various aspects of a sound cultural diplomacy adoption, looking at different programmes and policies adopted by Saudi Arabia to strengthening its ties with the outside world; in particular with the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Austria and China. Saudi's cultural diplomatic practices are carefully assessed and precisely overviewed within this study, to indicate the facets of cultural diversity between countries. A larger framework is undertaken whereby the government also, has a pivotal role to play in such case. Saudi Arabia has always rested on its willingness to create strong bonds with the world, maintaining the perspective that a global “village” has to be strongly connected and work in collaboration towards promoting world peace, harmony and collaboration (Davidson, 2007, pp. 89-160).

What is Cultural Diplomacy? Cultural diplomacy is a state's intentional utilization of the highlights of its own culture and traditions, in order to enhance the state's popularity and favorability amongst other states. In wider sense, diplomacy may also be considered as an “influence” in which a state, using its own cultural highlights and power usage, attempts to seek approval of other states in accordance with ...