The Developing Role of Cultural Diplomacy in Soft Power? : A Case Study of Japanese Cultural Promotion

Abstract: As a conceptual term for national development relations, soft power has been paid more and more attention in recent years. Although the rise of soft power is indisputable, the most significant questions are how to build soft power and the most effective way to build soft power. The theoretical viewpoint held by this thesis is that more soft power can be obtained most effectively through cultural diplomacy. The basis is based on the observation of Japan. Japan has successfully achieved cultural diplomacy in North America through a foreign cultural propaganda agency called the Japan Foundation. Therefore, in addition to analyzing the theoretical framework of soft power and cultural diplomacy, this paper will also focus on the case study of the Japan Foundation in North America. By constructing the theoretical framework and the case study, this thesis aims to provide a practical example for future research or cultural diplomacy practice.