The fine art of diplomacy

The lack of Australian cultural diplomacy in China has ramifications which reach far beyond the cultural sector, writes Dan Edwards in New Matilda. Australia\u27s international cultural profile is not something many at home tend to think about. Given the myriad competing demands on the Federal Government\u27s budget, many would no doubt ask why it\u27s even worthy of attention. The Federal Government itself attaches some importance to the issue — at least at the level of rhetoric. The reality on the ground, however, at least in our biggest trading partner China, is that few locals know anything about Australia beyond daishu (kangaroos) and Nicole Kidman — and that\u27s exclusively through her Hollywood films. So why does this matter?... One of the difficulties in discussing cultural diplomacy is defining exactly what it means, since those working in the cultural sector tend to see it in broader terms than the Australian Government. A 2007 Senate Inquiry into the conduct of Australia\u27s public diplomacy — which included the question of culture — defined it as "work or activities undertaken to understand, inform and engage individuals and organisations in other countries in order to shape their perceptions in ways that will promote Australia and Australia\u27s policy goals internationally." The emphasis on "policy goals" reflects the instrumental approach underlying the current government\u27s thinking. Read the full article   Image: \u27The metal roo\u27, betta design /  flick