Cultural exchange is so embedded in daily life that the importance of it for international relations is not apparent. Cultural products or services may unconsciously generate feelings towards the...Show moreCultural exchange is so embedded in daily life that the importance of it for international relations is not apparent. Cultural products or services may unconsciously generate feelings towards the nation they represent. Irish Riverdance, and Chinese dancing, for example, are actively generating emotions and stances among their international audiences, and the exchange of these cultural products generates mutual understanding between these nations. The aim of this thesis is to study the significance of cultural exchange as a means of soft power and cultural diplomacy in international communication and cooperation. The case studies of this thesis are Chinese and Irish performing arts. This study implies that the relations between China and Ireland are positively influenced by cultural diplomacy and soft power.Show less
Unlike the nineteenth century, the competition for power in Eurasia is increasingly fought between Russia and China. In turn, according to the prevailing neorealist discourse, these powers compete...Show moreUnlike the nineteenth century, the competition for power in Eurasia is increasingly fought between Russia and China. In turn, according to the prevailing neorealist discourse, these powers compete for security and economic influence in what is referred to as ‘the New Great Game’. In recent years, China is seen to increasingly tilt the balance of power from Moscow’s traditional sphere of influence towards Beijing – especially in the economic realm – with Russia attempting to retain its hegemonic position. Accordingly, a pressing question is what implications the spillover of this competition for hegemony in Central Asia has for Sino-Russian relations in the region’s most important multilateral organisation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. In this thesis the above query is assessed by three schools of thought: limitationism, alarmism and normalism. In scholarly discourse limitationist and alarmist discourses have been prevalent, but not entirely convincing, discussing the implications of the New Great Game on the SCO leadership. They have generally emphasised (and polarised) either the cooperative or the competitive nature of Sino-Russian relations in Central Asia’s and the SCO’s New Great Game scenario respectively. Conversely, the framework on which this thesis’ explanation of the Sino-Russian relations in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is based, is the altering balance of power, combined with dual cooperative and competitive Sino-Russian relations in Central Asia, as discerned by ‘normalists’. It can be concluded that analogous to their simultaneous converging and diverging interests in Central Asia at large, Sino-Russian relations in the SCO should be regarded as practical interrelations based on ‘complex reciprocity’ (Yu 2007, 79). They are a tacit compromise to, ultimately, let the SCO function as an satisfactory diplomatic forum where Moscow and Beijing can regulate the New Great Game: their relations in CA, China’s rise and Moscow’s traditional sphere of influence.Show less
There is no easy solution to the volatile political situation on the Korean peninsula, but scholars and politicians have been working on a project that could perhaps set the foundation for a better...Show moreThere is no easy solution to the volatile political situation on the Korean peninsula, but scholars and politicians have been working on a project that could perhaps set the foundation for a better understanding between the DPRK and the ROK: the preservation of the Korean DMZ. While the plan to turn the DMZ into a reserve holds political, ecological and economic potential, the manner in which both countries have tried to put it into action has backfired. A lack of communication, understanding and tact has taken a lauded opportunity for positive change and turned it into a matter of conflict. If anything is to be gained in the DMZ, and if further damage to political relations is to be prevented, it is crucial to re-examine and reconsider the strategies of the DPRK, the ROK, and UNESCO in regards to the preservation of the DMZ.Show less
