Cultural diplomacy: dimension of cooperation in building the “New world order”

Abstract

Introduction. This article addresses the problem of the transformation of the global order and orients the reader toward a “conservative turn” in the system of international relations. In the article, the author notes the growing crisis of the American-centric model of globalization, which is spurring opponents of the unipolar world order toward cooperation built on the principles of polycentrism. This alternative model of global dialogue is based on the principles and values of conservatism articulated by the leaders of the BRICS+ countries. Conservative values, including patriotism, spirituality, historical memory, cultural heritage, and others, become the glue that binds national ideological systems and serves as the foundation for international conservative discourse, shaped by the tools of cultural diplomacy. In this context, the purpose of this work is to present a conceptual framework for a new world order, primarily within the framework of the ideological principles of conservatism, and to outline the role of cultural diplomacy as a comprehensive tool for strengthening ties between proponents of change in the global political model. Theoretical framework. The theoretical framework of the study is presented using a deconstructivist approach, which allows for a more comprehensive reflection of the competing views of proponents of a unipolar and multipolar world order, as well as the dialogue within the “conservative camp,” characterized by a constant search for adapted solutions and a rethinking of ideological principles. The study of cultural diplomacy practices is linked to the application of an instrumentalist and, to some extent, an institutional approach, as culture is presented as an instrument of ideological influence through diplomatic practices. The combination of these approaches aims to reflect the process of transforming cooperation between proponents of a new world order, occurring simultaneously in the ideological and institutional dimensions. Results. Among the results of the study, it is worth highlighting the author’s identified trend toward the rise of conservatism in various countries and its transformation into an ideological one, which in turn leads to the formation of a unified international space of conservative discourse. This discourse is represented by various types of cooperation, gradually integrating into a single system, which is most clearly reflected in the cooperation practices of the BRICS+ countries. Moreover, the system of dialogue between the parties is characterized by an “essential orientation” or focus on taking into account national specificities, which paves the way for national pluralism without the absolute dominance of a single hegemonic state. This communicative-institutional model is based on the practices of cultural diplomacy, which is focused on the popularization of national cultures and leads to the creation of new “branches of partnership dialogue” across a wide range of humanitarian issues. Conclusions. Despite the intensive development of cultural diplomacy practices between the BRICS+ countries and a number of countries outside the group, cooperation has not yet acquired a systemic character and is represented primarily by forms of bilateral relations developing in parallel with the organization’s core projects. This allows the author to conclude that the institutional integration of BRICS+ cooperation is inductive in nature, taking place within a system of ideological guidelines.