Vietnam’s Cultural Diplomacy In The21st Century

Cultural diplomacy is an important tool in pursuing a state’s foreign policy ininternational relations. Traditionally, culture of a given society has not been fully utilized ininternational relations because it is considered as a less important factor. Today, however, ithas become increasingly important in the age of globalization and interdependence thatculture could play some important roles to influence state interactions.Cultural diplomacy is a form of soft power expressed in soft diplomacy to win heartsand minds of other states or put it simply a form of soft power which could be used by state Ato “attract and persuade” state B to get what it wants without the use of force or threats(Joseph Nye). Since cultural diplomacy is a new concept in contemporary internationalrelations, less research has been done about its influence on foreign policy and internationalrelations. This study will attempt to analyze how cultural diplomacy works in Vietnam andfind the way to improve and develop Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy.The main research objectives of this study are to:(1) Mention Vietnam foreign policyabout cultural diplomacy;(2) Emphasize the role of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs;(3)Summarize currently Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy activities;(4) Provide some concretepolicy choices or options on how to improve Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy in long term.The study used qualitative desk-top case study method to analyze Vietnam culturaldiplomacy. Data will be collected through internet survey, literature review, library researchand others in the course of research. Since cultural diplomacy is a new dimension integratedinto the field of international relations and also in the context Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy,there are limitations in data collections.After the introduction chapter, the second chapter of thesis aimed to give an overview ofCultural diplomacy and the related concepts such as culture, diplomacy, cultural exchangesand cultural diplomacy. Cultural diplomacy together with political and economic diplomacyare implemented through these ways:(1) cultural diplomacy would help open relations withother countries;(2) cultural diplomacy would act as a catalyst and a glue for economic andpolitical diplomacy;(3) cultural diplomacy aims at promoting Vietnam;(4) culturaldiplomacy campaigns for recognition by UNESCO of tangible and non-tangible culturalheritages;(5) cultural diplomacy helps enrich the country’s cultural store. This chapter also shows how cultural diplomacy works in practice in some othercountries in recent years, especially from developed and developing countries such as U.Sand China respectively. These case studies will framework Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy.It can be concluded safely that cultural diplomacy is an important soft power tool inforeign policy of a state to project its positive image internationally through attraction andpersuasion. The case for US and China as developed and developing countries respectivelysupport this claim.The third chapter gave an overview of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy–generaldevelopment and policy. Cultural factor played an important role in Vietnam’s foreign policy.In the period of national protection, cultural diplomacy expressed by means of peacefulnegotiation, more friends less enemies and supporting for military diplomacy. In peaceful anddevelopment period, cultural diplomacy, is one of the three pillars together with politicaldiplomacy and economic diplomacy, has been enriched with content and diversified inmethod. However, cultural diplomacy follows the main principle actions such as nationalinterest, avoiding from clash of culture; tied cooperate between Ministry, industry and local;intensifying socialization of cultural diplomacy.It can be generally concluded that Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy as part of its foreignpolicy is driven by its party polices expressed in terms of actions which are aimed at buildinga peaceful international image, promote regional stability and promote economicdevelopment. The party believes that these action policies should be implemented with greatconsideration to achieve its main objectives.The forth chapter about Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy had been made one of theimportant elements of its foreign policy to promote its image in the regional and internationalcommunity and national development. Several programs have been practically designed andappear to be very effective in diplomacy.This chapter highlighted Vietnam’s practice of cultural diplomacy as part of its foreignpolicy to project positive image and promote national development consistent with itsnational interest. The first section discuses Vietnam’s methods of cultural diplomacy, i.e. howit is being pursued. The second section highlights the most recent practices and some newprojects in cultural diplomacy followed the conclusion.It can be conclude that Vietnam has been very active in projecting its internationalimage and promoting national development though cultural diplomacy as a means of soft power in international relations. As such it has designed and deployed many programs andprojects which received international recognition and promoted national development. Thereare new programs being undertaken as part of2010new strategic plan to harness culturaldiplomacy. Vietnam hope this will further strengthened the ongoing projects.The last chapter focused on the prospect of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy in the future.It basically discusses the achievements and existence of cultural diplomacy in Vietnam’sforeign diplomacy, challenges, and some strategies or options on how to improve its culturaldiplomacy.In the process of international integration, an effective cultural diplomacy will createmore motives for Vietnam cultural diplomacy, contributing in implementing the developingtarget and National protection. Therefore, Vietnam must emphasize more on investment andresearch to put forward the most suitable cultural diplomacy strategy for Vietnam ininternational situation, as well as effectively deploying it.