The Cultural Diplomacy of Portugal – An Important Element in the EU’s External Relations?
Gabriel Moisa, Ion Zainea, "In Honorem Mihai Drecin", Oradea, University of Oradea Press, Forthcoming
9 Pages Posted: 12 Dec 2014
Date Written: December 11, 2014
Abstract
In the context of the grand globalization tendencies, the cultural sector has become the holder of a key role within international relations and especially within the external relations of the European Union. The policies of the Union handle culture as a “vital element of external relations” and as a sign of this commitment, the Lisbon Treaty consolidates the importance of culture by “inspiring from the cultural, religious and humanist legacy of Europe”. Cultural diplomacy has become essential in the context of globalization. It is seen as a means of supporting identity by creating a relationship based on exchange and communication with others. Nowadays, culture has become one of the main stakes of economic circulation, as cultural spheres are a novel and transnational place of competition and concentration, while the globalization processes have reached all continents.
This paper addresses a case study, the Portuguese cultural foreign policy, trying to establish the perception that the Portuguese authorities assign cultural diplomacy beyond the conceptual situation. Our focus will be on the Lusophone idea and the Portuguese Atlantic policy, matters considered by the authorities in Lisbon essential to national identity. Among the peoples of Europe, the Portuguese understood that through culture they can have respect and admiration of the world, thus being able to build on their reputation.
Keywords: Portugal, Romania, cultural diplomacy, external relations
JEL Classification: Z10, F00, I31, I30, K00
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation