This page commemorates the 80th anniversary of the school's tradition and 30 years of development.University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Author's name: Nguyen Van Duan
Thesis title:American Cultural Diplomacy (2001–2016)
Dissertation field: International Studies
Major: International Relations Code: 62 31 02 06
Name of the postgraduate training unit: University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
1. Purpose and scope of the thesis
Firstly, the research objective of this thesis is to clarify the US cultural diplomacy policy and its implementation during the period 2001-2016, in order to draw lessons for Vietnam in its cultural diplomacy and relations with the US.
To achieve that research objective, the thesis has undertaken the following tasks:
Secondly, the subject of this thesis is American cultural diplomacy.
2. Research methods used
The study of American cultural diplomacy is related to international and regional issues, taking place over a specific period, therefore, international relations research methods are the main methods used in this dissertation. The international relations research methods used in this dissertation include: policy analysis method, systems-structure method, power analysis method, etc.
Furthermore, the thesis also employs other scientific research methods such as observation, historical, logical, comparative-historical, and statistical methods. Descriptive historical research methods, diachronic and synchronic methods are used to reconstruct a comprehensive picture and the development process of American cultural diplomacy through different periods. Logical and comparative-historical methods are used to explain the phenomena, analyze the causes influencing the movement, and compare changes in scale, quality, and implementation of American cultural diplomacy. The systems approach is used to place American cultural diplomacy in relation to the global and regional context, and within America's foreign relations in particular. Through this, the factors influencing American cultural diplomacy in the early 21st century are also clarified. Meanwhile, the power analysis method helps to identify the role and position of cultural diplomacy in relation to a nation's soft power. The statistical method aims to collect and systematize information and data to serve as evidence.
In summary, due to the interdisciplinary nature of social sciences in general and international relations research in particular, the aforementioned research methods will be combined and applied flexibly in this dissertation. Combining these research methods will help the doctoral candidate examine U.S. cultural diplomacy within a complete structure comprising many interacting factors, evolving over time with the many changes in the global and regional context. Simultaneously, applying such methods will help identify the characteristics, achievements, and some remaining issues in U.S. cultural diplomacy.
3. Main results and conclusions
3.1. Main results
ButFirstThis is the first study in Vietnam researching the topic of American cultural diplomacy during the period 2001-2016. The study hopes to contribute a new perspective and a systematic body of documentation on how the United States uses and deploys cultural tools to enhance its image. This is particularly important in the context of the ongoing struggle for influence and power among major powers in the region in the post-Cold War era.
MondayIn terms of theory, the thesis contributes to a number of theoretical foundations regarding various aspects of cultural diplomacy in general, such as its concept, theoretical basis, and its relationship with political and economic diplomacy.
TuesdayThe thesis also analyzes aspects of U.S. cultural diplomacy that can help promote relations between Vietnam and the U.S., and between the U.S. and other countries around the world. American scholars and policymakers have studied soft power and cultural diplomacy for decades. This work examines U.S. soft power and how increasing that soft power through cultural diplomacy can provide Vietnam with important lessons to both enhance national potential and promote cultural diplomacy with the U.S.
FinalIn terms of documentation, the thesis compiles and processes domestic and international reference materials related to various issues and fields of cultural diplomacy, public diplomacy, and soft power for research and analysis. This source material not only serves to complete the thesis but also provides a basis for further research by interested individuals. Furthermore, the thesis can be used as a reference for teaching and learning for those interested in American cultural diplomacy.
3.2. Conclusion
Like many other nations, since gaining independence, the United States has pursued a foreign policy of cultural diplomacy, promoting American culture and values to the world. The US began using cultural diplomacy in the 1930s to counter Nazi propaganda in Latin America (Cummings Milton, p. 1). American cultural diplomacy intensified and played a crucial role throughout the Cold War through various programs targeting different audiences. The US State Department sought to use cultural exchange programs to foster relations with other countries and enhance America's image abroad. American cultural diplomacy achieved significant successes, particularly during the Cold War. By the end of the 20th century, the United States had a considerable global cultural influence. American cultural diplomacy has contributed to the country's superpower status and increased its hegemony, while also creating significant appeal for American culture.
Entering the 21st century, American cultural diplomacy entered a new era with new developments under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Under the influence of both external and internal factors during the period 2001-2016, American cultural diplomacy underwent many changes in its objectives, institutions, content, and implementation methods. This transformation was achieved thanks to a solid foundation and the inheritance of achievements from previous periods. Overall, American cultural diplomacy during this period continued to develop, although not uniformly. However, American cultural diplomacy under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama had several noteworthy points: it was closely linked to public diplomacy, organized at two levels—state and non-state—with the participation of non-governmental entities but maintaining the leading role of the state, leveraging and combining with businesses to leverage economic channels for disseminating cultural values, steadfastly adhering to national foreign policy objectives, linking cultural diplomacy to the development of soft power, flexibly adjusting or changing the organizational structure according to the realities of each period with a focus on specialized agencies within the State Department, and constantly innovating and diversifying forms and methods of operation... While some of these points are new, most are continuations of previous periods, but have been adjusted and supplemented to suit new requirements and circumstances. These characteristics can help us draw lessons for developing our own cultural diplomacy.
Overall, American cultural diplomacy has made significant contributions to the United States, such as improving the country's image globally, increasing its cultural influence worldwide, and enhancing its overall strength. Therefore, cultural diplomacy is increasingly valued and considered an important component of America's soft power. However, the biggest challenge for the United States remains improving its image in the Muslim world, the alienation of Latin American countries, and the fact that America's prestige in Western countries has not fully recovered. The main reason is the severe impact and serious consequences of the GWBush administration's foreign policy. Changes in foreign policy, including cultural diplomacy under President Barack Obama, have gradually brought more positive signals for the United States. The lessons learned from failures and shortcomings in cultural diplomacy will motivate the United States to further strengthen its foreign policy on culture and people-to-people diplomacy, alongside its efforts in state diplomacy. This trend has contributed to consolidating the United States' position on the international stage.
Currently, all countries prioritize national interests when implementing foreign policy. For Vietnam, defining a foreign policy that places national interests as the primary goal is both consistent with the general trend and appropriate to the country's situation. Vietnam has a strategic relationship with the United States; therefore, it needs to deeply understand and accurately assess new developments in US foreign policy in general and cultural diplomacy in particular in order to formulate timely and appropriate foreign policy strategies. The experience of a superpower like the United States in cultural diplomacy is also of great value, offering insights for Vietnam on how to interact with other countries in the world and in the region. However, in the cultural field, each country has a different identity, so Vietnam still needs to choose its own path. In the context of a rapidly changing world and an unpredictable international situation, Vietnamese cultural diplomacy needs to grasp the realities on the ground, employing appropriate and skillful diplomatic methods while resolutely protecting the legitimate and long-term interests of the nation. It must also closely coordinate with political and economic diplomacy to maintain a peaceful and favorable environment for promoting national interests, leveraging comparative advantages, including national cultural identity, to create strength for development, and simultaneously gain the respect of other countries and achieve a worthy position on the international stage.
In conclusion, the graduate student argues that if all countries allocated a fraction of their budgets to cultural diplomacy, rather than spending on conventional and nuclear weapons, the world we live in would undoubtedly be very different.
SUMMARY OF DOCTORAL THESIS
Author's name:Nguyen Van Duan
Thesis title: American cultural diplomacy (2001 - 2016)
Scientific field of the thesis: International studies
Major: International Relations Code: 62 31 02 06
Name of post-graduate training unit: University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Hanoi.
1. The purpose and object of the thesis research
First, the research purpose of the thesis is to clarify the American cultural diplomacy policy and the process of implementing this policy in the period of 2001-2016, from which to draw experiences for Vietnam in the field cultural diplomacy as well as in relations with the United States. In order to achieve that purpose, the thesis has carried out the following tasks:
1. Analysis of rationale, historical basis and key factors affecting US cultural diplomacy in the period of 2001-2016;
2. Analyze the views, goals and ways of implementing American cultural diplomacy during the term of President GWBush (2001-2008) and Barack Obama (2009-2016);
3. Comments on the characteristics of American cultural diplomacy; Point out achievements and some outstanding issues in implementing American cultural sponsorship;
4. Besides, the thesis also learns about US cultural diplomacy with Vietnam and the main impacts in relations between the two countries, thus giving some recommendations on cultural diplomacy for Vietnam.
Second, the research object of the thesis is American cultural diplomacy.
2. Research methods used
The study of American cultural diplomacy related to regional and international issues, taking place in a certain period, so methods of international relations research are the main method used in the thesis. The methods of international relations research to be used in this thesis such as: policy analysis methods, system-structure methods, methods of power analysis, ....
In addition, the thesis also uses other scientific research methods such as observation methods, historical methods, logical methods, methods of comparing history, statistical methods, ... Research methods saving descriptions of historical, contemporary and contemporary methods as well to help recreate the overall picture and development process of American cultural diplomacy through the period. Logical methods, historical comparisons are used to explain the phenomena taking place, analyze the causes of the movement, compare the changes in scale, quality of implementation of American cultural diplomacy. The systematic method used to set American cultural diplomacy in relations to the world, regional and foreign relations in the US in particular. Thereby, the factors influencing American cultural diplomacy in the early 21st century are also clarified. Meanwhile, the method of power analysis helps to recognize the role and position of cultural diplomacy for the national soft power. Statistical methods to gather and systematize information and data to demonstrate.
In summary, due to the interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary nature of social sciences in general and the study of international relations in particular, the above research methods will be combined and applied in the thesis flexibly. The combination of research methods will help PhD students consider American cultural diplomacy in a complete structure with many interactions, time-axis movement with many changes of context. global, regional. At the same time, the application of such methods also helps to identify characteristics, achievements and some outstanding issues in American cultural diplomacy.
3. Main results and conclusions
3.1. Main results
First of all, this is the first project in Vietnam to study the topic of cultural diplomacy of the US in the period of 2001-2016. The work is expected to contribute a new perspective and documentation system on how the US uses and implements cultural tools to achieve the goal of improving the image of the United States. This is particularly important in the context of the ongoing struggle for influence and rights among regional powers in the post Cold War era.
Secondly, in terms of theory, the thesis contributes some theoretical basis to aspects of cultural diplomacy in general with many different aspects such as concepts, rationale, foreign relations. political and economic diplomacy.
Thirdly, the thesis also mentioned analyzing aspects of US cultural diplomacy that will help promote the relationship between Vietnam and the US and the US and other countries in the world. American scholars and relying have been studying soft power and cultural sponsorship for decades. This work examines American soft power and the increase in that soft power through cultural diplomacy can help Vietnam draw important lessons to both increase the national potential and at the same time. is also to promote cultural diplomatic relations with the United States.
Finally, in terms of materials, the thesis gathers and handles domestic and foreign references, relating to many issues and areas of cultural diplomacy, public diplomacy and soft power to study analysis. This source of materials not only serves to complete the thesis but also serves as a basis for those interested in continuing to study. Not only that, the thesis can also be used as a reference materials for teaching and learning of those who are interested in the American cultural diplomacy.
3.2. Conclude
Like many other counties and nations, since independence, the United States has begun to implement foreign policy and implement cultural diplomacy, cultural promotion and values of the America out to the world. The United States began using cultural diplomacy from the 1930s against Nazi propaganda in Latin America (Cummings Milton, p.1). American cultural diplomacy was strengthened and demonstrated a very important role during the Cold War with many different programs for different subjects.
The US State Department has sought to use cultural exchange programs to promote relations with other countries and to strengthen the image of the United States abroad. American cultural diplomacy has achieved great achievements, chiefly during the Cold War period. At the end of the twentieth century, the United States had a rather large cultural influence on the global scale. American cultural diplomacy has contributed to the superpower position and added to the country's hegemony, while creating significant attraction for American culture.
Entering the twenty-first century, American cultural sponsorship turned to a new era with new developments under the presidents of GWBush and Barack Obama. Under the impact of exogenous and endogenous factors in the 2001 period to 2016, American cultural diplomacy has many changes in objectives, institutions, content and ways of implementation. American cultural diplomacy has achieved such a change thanks to a solid foundation and inherits the achievements of previous periods. In general, American cultural diplomacy during this period has continued to develop although not equal. However, American cultural diplomacy under President George W. Bush and Barack Obama has some notable points: activities associated with public diplomacy, held on two levels, state and non-state with participation of non-governmental actors but maintaining the leading role of the state, taking advantage of and combining with businesses to enlist the economic channel to spread cultural values, be consistent with the goals in national foreign policy, attaching cultural diplomacy with the goal of developing soft power, flexibly adjusting or changing the organizational structure according to the reality of each stage with the focus on the specialized agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Affairs, constantly innovating and diversifying forms or ways of operation ...
In these points there are new points, but most are the continuation of the previous periods but have been adjusted to suit the new requirements and new situations. These characteristics can help us gain experience for the development of cultural diplomacy in our country.
In general, American cultural diplomacy has contributed significantly to the United States as contributing to improving the image of the United States in the world, helping to increase cultural influence in the world, contributing to increasing the synergy. of the US, ... Therefore, cultural sponsorship is increasingly concerned and regarded by the United States and is considered an important component of America's soft power. However, the biggest difficulty of the country The United States is still improving the image of the country in the Muslim world, the turn of Latin American countries or the prestige of the United States in Western countries has not fully recovered as before.
The main cause of the foreign policy of the GWBush administration has seriously affected, leaving serious consequences. Foreign policy changes, including cultural diplomacy under President Barack Obama, have gradually brought more positive signals to the United States. Lessons of failure, highlighted in cultural diplomacy will prompt the US to continue strengthening its foreign policy of culture and people's diplomacy in addition to the efforts of state diplomacy. That trend has contributed to strengthening America's position in the international arena.
Currently, all countries value national interests when implementing foreign policy. For Vietnam, determine the foreign policy that puts national and ethnic interests at the forefront is both in line with the general trend and in line with the situation of the country. Vietnam has a strategic relationship with the United States, so it is necessary to deeply understand and properly evaluate the new developments in foreign policy in general and cultural diplomacy in particular of the United States to make policy. timely and appropriate foreign policy. Experience from cultural diplomacy of a superpower like the US also has great reference value, suggesting to Vietnam how to deal with other countries in the world and in the region.
However, in the cultural field, each country has a different identity, so Vietnam still needs to choose its own way. In the context of the rapidly changing world, the international has many unpredictable uncertainties, Vietnamese cultural diplomacy needs to grasp the reality, must use appropriate and skillful diplomatic methods but resolutely protect the legitimate and long-term interests of the country, and coordinate closely with political diplomacy situation and economic diplomacy to maintain a peaceful environment and facilitate the promotion of national interests and promote benefits. comparisons in which there is national cultural identity, creating the power to develop, and at the same time gaining the respect of the countries and being worthy in the international arena.
Instead of a conclusion, the researcher says that if all countries only need to spend an extra share of cultural diplomacy from the budget spent on procurement and use of conventional weapons and particle weapons, the world we are living in will certainly be greatly different.
Author:ussh
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