One of the integral parts of diplomatic activities of almost all African states is cultural diplomacy. Though it is a specific dimension of diplomacy, it has been growing in importance in the last few decades. Experts are of the opinion that it can be considered as the least recognized area of diplomatic activities in most African countries. This is true when cultural diplomacy is compared with political, economic or defense diplomacy.
In practice, the low value attached to cultural diplomacy often results from unclear or false ideas about the scope of its activities. In line with this, cultural activities are frequently associated with organizing or attending cultural events by diplomats, which is in fact only a miniscule aspect of cultural diplomacy. Experts have tried to analyze major functions or fields of activity of cultural diplomacy for the purpose of evaluating its overall importance. They have also tried to assess the role of cultural diplomacy in the process of foreign policy implementation in Ethiopia’s contemporary international relations.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and not a diplomatic body of the government, their practice and activities have usually been closely coordinated by diplomatic missions. These missions play critical roles in promoting cultural diplomacy. Experts in the field have pointed out that within these diplomatic missions specialized cultural-diplomatic institutions began to take shape in the last century.
During WWI, the first diplomats, charged with specific diplomatic duties in cultural diplomacy were known as cultural attachés. They were sent to African countries, including Ethiopia, on diplomatic missions by European governments. In the same period, a specialized department for cultural diplomacy was created within the structures foreign ministries as directorate general for cultural affairs. Historians revealed that in the interwar period the specialized institutions of cultural diplomacy were established in several other countries too. The creation of this institution was motivated largely by the desire to foster “cultural propaganda” to counteract political agenda of other countries through NGOs.
The above mentioned reason has led to the formation within embassies a specialized section for cultural diplomacy. The duty of this section is to coordinate and promote the development of cultural relations with friendly countries. This measure helps to counterbalance growing influence of other powers with different ideology. In this regard, it is important to learn from history that missionaries generally carried out their activities under the guidance of the authorities of the government of a country they originate from.
In this connection, it should be mentioned that similar agencies have been used to disseminate political missions of their governments. The functions of these missions have been supplemented by offices whose activities were aimed mainly at the promotion of culture. During wars and skirmishes, cultural diplomacy acquires special role as instrument of ideological struggle. It has become an integral part of the contest between countries at war. Particularly, the superpowers have intensified their cultural-diplomatic activities, which were primarily designed to spread the values of democracy and freedom.
In Africa, Ethiopia has been playing a leading role in shaping cultural diplomacy within the continent. Many countries in the continent shaped their cultural diplomacy in cooperation with Ethiopia because of its history of long-independence, free of colonialism. Ethiopia is fully cooperating with these countries in shaping continental cultural diplomacy based on the cultural affinities of Africans and Ethiopians.
Though originating from varieties of cultural affinities, similar or identical factors, including music, clothes, food, language, etc have reflected similarities. Through peaceful co-existence and inter-marriages among people of neighboring African countries, there has occurred cultural exchange which provided the basis for cultural-diplomacy. These arrangements have excluded most of the vicious strategy of alien powers to cause wars and skirmishes among Africans, including Ethiopians. These powers have the goal of exploiting the natural resources of African countries through engaging the people in internecine fights.
The promotion of cultural diplomacy among African peoples and governments is an iron wall that keeps the alien exploiters of natural resource at bay. Using this diplomacy, Ethiopia may protect the interest of Africa through preservation and exploitation of the continental resources for the benefit of the people. If properly utilized, these resources may be used in improving the living standards of the African people, including Ethiopians. This is possible through investment, job creation and income generation for the people of the continent.
Using appropriate tech for each sector of the economy, local and foreign investors may generate output for the domestic and external markets. In so doing, they may generate foreign exchange with which only necessary inputs are imported. These inputs may be used by Africans and Ethiopians for satisfying their economic and social needs. In the economic sector, various types of investments are made for generating productive employment. Similarly, investment in the social sector helps to build schools, hospitals, research institutes related to diplomacy and other fields.
Building domestic capacity supports the evolution and development of cultural diplomacy. Efforts have to be made by the concerned institutions to generate capable diplomats. The primary duty of these diplomats would be to defend the interests of Ethiopia at global, continental and regional levels. These diplomats should be well versed and responsive to issues that affect the country. In so doing, they may keep animosities and skirmishes at bay before they develop into conflicts and wars.
Political scientists suggest that conflicts between neighboring countries with opposing tendencies should be avoided through political and cultural diplomacy. With these peaceful approaches, African countries are able to create favorable conditions for cultural penetration in the borders affected by skirmishes. This creates favorable situation for the development of their cultural-diplomatic activities that lead to peace. Where peace reigns, neighboring Africans may move freely along their borders thereby creating favorable situations for cultural exchange that facilitates peaceful diplomatic initiatives.
BY GETACHEW MINAS
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 29 MARCH 2025
