China-EU relations and the future of European soft power: a strategy for a European cultural diploma

Lisbonne de Vergeron, Karine (2015) China-EU relations and the future of European soft power: a strategy for a European cultural diploma. Strategic Update (15.4). LSE IDEAS, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK.

Text (LSE IDEAS Strategic Update July 2015) - Published Version Download (1MB)

Abstract

The EU-China relationship has become a core driver of global trade and investment flows. But China’s new emphasis on Eurasia and on culture as a means of achieving global outreach and internal growth opens up new geostrategic challenges. China and other emerging powers are indeed showing an increasing interest in culture to project their power internationally. This comes at a time when budget restrictions in many Western and European nations are reducing cultural expenditure, although creative industries are critical in particular to Europe’s economic future. Europeans should therefore undertake the necessary policies to promote what is widely regarded as their primary asset: their culture, which remains their most fundamental comparative advantage in soft power globally. This Strategic Update looks at the EUChina relationship in economic, political and cultural terms. It examines Chinese perceptions of Europe as the cultural centre of the West and how these relate to their strategic vision of Asia and the US. Most importantly, it critically explores the global relevance, implications and urgency for Europe of developing a more strategic approach to the role of culture in its diplomacy and the potential benefits for the individual European member states economically and for Europe as a whole. This will show how Europeans take the issue of intercultural dialogue very seriously and will allow Europe to fully exploit the strategic opportunities of greater cultural engagement in the new multipolar world order.

Item Type:	Monograph (Working Paper)
Official URL:	https://www.lse.ac.uk/ideas/publications/updates/e...
Additional Information:	© 2015 The Author
Divisions:	IGA: LSE IDEAS
Subjects:	J Political Science > JZ International relations J Political Science > JN Political institutions (Europe) J Political Science > JQ Political institutions Asia, Africa, Australia, Pacific
Date Deposited:	03 Dec 2020 14:15
Last Modified:	14 Sep 2024 04:11
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/107554

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