Issues of the year
Time to start the debates going. Here are some ideas I'd like to explore during the next few months.
The ethics of public diplomacy. As public diplomacy becomes even more politically directed, (and is intepreted as getting the message across.. a governments message that is) how do academics, artists, students feel about "being used". Many have been comfortable to work in the cultural relations field for their own personal and professional development and some in representing their country. But as political agendas and cultural relations merge can we continue to expect such engagement? Should we develop a set of ethical standards that are open for all to see and understand?
The social role of universities in the international arena. Universities are major players in the public diplomacy and cultural relations context. Academics increasingly inter-act in international partnerships in research. University managers anxiously look to the Shanghai index to see how they are performing in the unofficial global league table. Universities compete for the lucrative and quality enhancing international student market. They also compete for the best academics and researchers. More and more students include an international dimension to their studies. And underpinning all this universities set a moral standard through the culture of their teaching, their relationship to the outside worlds of their cities, businesses and politics. So what is the role of universities in the world of inter-cultural dialogue and public diplomacy?
Inter-cultural dialogue in the time of conflict. Many opinion polls have indicated that people make a difference between their attitude towards a country's lifestyle and culture and the political direction of its current government. But is this separation of personal aspiration and political opposition starting to break down as real conflicts expand and an increased perception of cross border affinities not based on nation state lines. What is the role of religious based and influenced organisations and lobby groups in driving the direction of travel?
These are three of the topics that I'll discuss. Please contribute and add to the debate!
The ethics of public diplomacy. As public diplomacy becomes even more politically directed, (and is intepreted as getting the message across.. a governments message that is) how do academics, artists, students feel about "being used". Many have been comfortable to work in the cultural relations field for their own personal and professional development and some in representing their country. But as political agendas and cultural relations merge can we continue to expect such engagement? Should we develop a set of ethical standards that are open for all to see and understand?
The social role of universities in the international arena. Universities are major players in the public diplomacy and cultural relations context. Academics increasingly inter-act in international partnerships in research. University managers anxiously look to the Shanghai index to see how they are performing in the unofficial global league table. Universities compete for the lucrative and quality enhancing international student market. They also compete for the best academics and researchers. More and more students include an international dimension to their studies. And underpinning all this universities set a moral standard through the culture of their teaching, their relationship to the outside worlds of their cities, businesses and politics. So what is the role of universities in the world of inter-cultural dialogue and public diplomacy?
Inter-cultural dialogue in the time of conflict. Many opinion polls have indicated that people make a difference between their attitude towards a country's lifestyle and culture and the political direction of its current government. But is this separation of personal aspiration and political opposition starting to break down as real conflicts expand and an increased perception of cross border affinities not based on nation state lines. What is the role of religious based and influenced organisations and lobby groups in driving the direction of travel?
These are three of the topics that I'll discuss. Please contribute and add to the debate!
posted by Stephen at 8:43 AM
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