Interacting cultural diplomacy: A study of soft power in India-Thailand relations

Abstract

This paper explains the historical development of India-Thailand cultural relations which especially highlights their interaction of cultural diplomacies during their official relations (1947-2015). This paper finds that, firstly, there is a change from the supremacy of power to multicultural and pluralism aspects. Secondly, political, economic, and sociocultural cooperation seem to be separately functioned in Thailand-India Foreign Policy. Thirdly, cultural diplomacy as soft power is not a one-way communication. It requires mutual understanding, shared interest, and common culture in interacting with other states. Lastly, state and non-state actors play important roles in strengthening the bilateral relations.