THE CULTURALE DIPLOMACY IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

Abstract

Cultural diplomacy is as old as diplomacy itself. The cultural values and identities of different countries, as part of cultural tradition, have always been a subject of exchange and promotion in diplomatic relations between countries. However, a strategically designed diplomatic activity with specific characteristics of cultural diplomacy developed in the 20th century. Cultural diplomacy is characterized as "soft power," through which ideas, art, and cultural exchange are shared, enhancing and deepening cooperation and closeness between political systems and citizens who may have misunderstandings or insufficient knowledge of one another. Cultural diplomacy is considered effective in improving relations between different political systems not only because it operates as a soft and non imposing force in international relations but also because it is flexible and adaptable in the short term, with significantly lower financial implications than any other traditional diplomatic or military foreign policy action.
Cultural diplomacy is defined as the exchange of ideas, values, information, traditions, beliefs, and art, along with other aspects of culture, to achieve mutual understanding. It is part of public diplomacy and plays an increasingly significant role in shaping international reputation in modern life. For these reasons, art and culture are becoming ever more important factors in the context of official diplomatic relations. Cultural diplomacy involves governments as well as other political system actors at local, regional, and national levels, whose cultural activities contribute to achieving foreign policy goals. These goals may include improving the country's international reputation, fostering better socio-economic, economic and political relations with other targeted political systems, or enhancing inter-state relations to promote greater intercultural cooperation, understanding, and communication.
In the Republic of North Macedonia, cultural diplomacy is in its developmental stage. As a country with a rich history and culture, it has the potential with a well-thought-out international action plan and effective implementation of cultural diplomacy, to improve its positioning and recognition on the international stage. This paper analyzes the development of cultural diplomacy within the political system of the Republic of North Macedonia. It contains an analysis of the content of primary and secondary sources such as official acts and documents of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and relevant literature in the field of cultural diplomacy.