The Diplomacy of Culture: The Role of UNESCO in Sustaining Cultural Diversity (Culture and Religion in International Relations)

The book examines the role of UNESCO, the only United Nations agency responsible for culture and the main forum for international diplomacy on the issue of cultural diversity. Cultural diversity, because it is perceived to have significant security, developmental, and social implications, is fast becoming one of the major political issues of the day. At the international level, it overlaps with the now extensive debates on multiculturalism within states. This work shows how cultural diversity challenges the understanding of international relations as relations between states and, by looking at the issue through the magnifying glass of an international organization, offers innovative insights into the interplay between various levels of international society. The book examines in particular the role of UNESCO, the only United Nations agency responsible for culture and the main forum for international diplomacy on the issue of cultural diversity The Diplomacy of Culture is filling a void in international relations studies. With this in mind, Irena Kozymka wrote a very useful and well documented volume which will be strongly appreciated by scholars and students, and also by many readers who are interested in understanding a crucial new field of knowledge."--Bertrand Badie, Sciences Po, Paris "Irena Kozymka has written an insightful analysis of a subject too neglected by academic International Relations - how diplomacy deals with culture and cultural diversity, a rather different matter from 'cultural diplomacy.' Her comparative treatment of different national traditions, combined with an expert study of UNESCO, makes this indispensable for those concerned with both the international politics of culture and with international organizations."--Christopher Hill, Sir Patrick Sheehy Professor of International Relations, and Head of Politics and International Studies Department, University of Cambridge Front Matter....Pages i-vii Introduction....Pages 1-7 Theoretical Perspectives....Pages 9-27 UNESCO’s Responses, Past and Present....Pages 29-50 France: Cultural Diversity or Cultural Exception?....Pages 51-76 The United States: a Laissez-Faire Approach....Pages 77-102 Cambodia: Cultural Diversity from a National Point of View....Pages 103-127 Brazil: Challenges in Sustaining and Managing Cultural Diversity....Pages 129-152 UNESCO’s Difficulties in Handling Cultural Diversity....Pages 153-176 Conclusion....Pages 177-191 Back Matter....Pages 193-296