Cultural Diplomacy in Cold War Finland: Identity, Geopolitics and the Welfare State

This book explores the organization and evolution of Finlands Cold War cultural diplomacy (1945-1975) as the basis for a reflection on the countrys foreign relations,the link between culture and politics,small states autonomy during the Cold War,and the porosity of the East-West divide. It offers a historical survey of the development of Finlands cultural diplomacy as part of the Finnish states foreign activities, focusing on archives from the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 258 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This open-access book delves into the intricate organization and evolution of Finland's Cold War cultural diplomacy (1945-1975), serving as a valuable platform for reflection on the country's foreign relations, the intricate interplay between culture and politics, the autonomy of small states during the Cold War, and the permeability of the East-West divide. Providing a comprehensive historical survey, the book explores the development of Finland's cultural diplomacy as an integral component of its foreign policy endeavors. In its empirical chapters, it relies on extensive archival materials sourced from the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education to elucidate Finland's cultural diplomacy as a manifestation of its foreign policy orientations, the dynamics between domestic and foreign policy, and the expansion of state activities in the artistic, educational, and cultural realms.

Various reflections and reports on foreign cultural relations shed light on the crucial role played by identity concerns, cultural relations, geopolitics, and economic imperatives in shaping Finland's distinct cultural diplomacy. Furthermore, the book delves into specific aspects and events, examining, for instance, the intricacies of Finland's cultural relations with the Soviet Union, the significance of cultural treaties, academic exchanges, and scientific cooperation, the phenomenon of "cultural exports," and the marketization of culture.

By examining these themes, the book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of Cold War cultural diplomacy and its profound impact on international relations. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and policymakers interested in exploring the intersection of culture, politics, and foreign policy in the post-World War II era.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 209 x 150 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031122071
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023