This book investigates whether cultural diplomacy can exist independently of national interests. It examines contemporary practices within their social, political, and ideological contexts, analyzing the forces that shape them. The contributors deconstruct the 'hype' surrounding cultural diplomacy, particularly its association with 'soft power', and explore its actual operational mechanisms. By applying a cultural lens, the book questions the possibility of cultural diplomacy transcending national agendas.

This collection, originally a special issue of the International Journal of Cultural Policy, offers a critical examination of cultural diplomacy. The contributors aim to demystify the concept and its frequent association with 'soft power'. The book is structured to provide a deeper understanding of how cultural diplomacy currently operates, questioning its potential to exist beyond the confines of national interests. The scholarly approach suggests a text geared towards academics and policymakers interested in the nuanced realities of international cultural exchange.