Cultural Diplomacy in Cooperation Agencies and Chambers of Commerce. The Cases of South Korea and Japan in Colombia

Abstract

Objective/Context: This article aims to explore conceptual, theoretical and analytical tools to study the diffusion of cultural diplomacy practices towards trade and cooperation spheres/fields. The reconfiguration of the global scene has generated a myriad of spheres, actors and practices that have transformed, expanded and renewed the diplomatic field; nevertheless, this aspect has been scarcely explored in current diplomatic analyses. Methodology: This article presents a qualitative comparative case study. We conducted semi-structured interviews and analyzed documentary sources to investigate the diffusion process of cultural diplomacy practices to international cooperation agencies and the bi-national chambers of commerce of South Korea and Japan in Colombia (2009-2018). We analyze how and why this diffusion process has occurredand what its implications are. Conclusions: We found that the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the countries deploying cultural diplomacy are the source of the explored diffusion processes. In the analyzed cases, learning and emulation were the diffusion mechanisms identified. As a result of this diffusion process, we argue that there has been aconvergence among different agendas. The institutions studied have become cultural diplomats because they have succeeded in blending their interests with the foreign policy objectives of the states they represent. Originality: At the theoretical level, our research findings extend preliminary approaches to the processes of diffusion within International Studies. At the empirical level, this article make progress in researching cases and actors relevant that to the understanding of the contemporary diplomatic phenomenon.