Hungarian Soft Power Tactics: Cultural Diplomacy in the 21st Century

This research paper will examine the formation and conduct of Hungarian cultural diplomacy. Cultural diplomacy, or public diplomacy, is essential to the conduct of small nations in a globalised world, in which countries are pressured to define their identities. The use of this soft power as a tool for communicating Hungarian values, culture, and identity internationally has demonstrated substantial successes from which other nations might learn.

Hungary’s cultural diplomacy in the twenty-first century relies on a holistic, integrated approach towards its domestic sponsorship of the arts and sciences, encouragement of international education exchange programmes, and the activities of Hungarian cultural institutions abroad. This paper will evaluate the constituent components of Hungarian cultural diplomacy so as to determine where other countries might replicate and so benefit from Hungary’s innovative approach.

Hungary’s approach to its global image branding is integrated with different sectors of society. This holistic nature is responsible for unifying Hungary’s broadcast methods for its cultural promotion internationally, and may be defined as standing on three primary pillars: the flourishing of Hungarian culture domestically, international scholarly exchanges between educational institutions, and the promotional activities of Hungarian cultural institutions or events across the world. These mechanisms are used by Hungary to engage in cultural diplomacy, focusing on the country’s achievements with an aim to determine what elements may be replicated by other nations seeking to improve their soft power.

By following Hungary’s approach, as laid out here, how can other countries expand the reach of their own cultural diplomacy?