THE GENESIS AND EVOLUTION OF THE FRANCE’S CULTURAL DIPLOMACY THROUGH CENTURIES

Abstract

The historical roots and the development of external cultural action of France are considered in the article as an attribute of the so called “diplomacy of influence” or “smart power”. The traditionally important place of culture in the French foreign policy is underlined as a part of its strategy aimed at increasing its global influence. The worth of both the history and the culture of France- homeland of the Enlightenment, freethinking and Declaration of Human Rights- keeps, no doubts, a honourable place not only in the European but in the world storehouse of spiritual values. However, if the splendour and attractiveness of the French culture succeeded to tide over the reverses of times, it happened first of all owing to a streamlined cultural policy pursued through ages by ruling circles of this country –from luminous monarchs to modern presidents. In that sense the cultural policy as a target oriented action by the State aimed at the preservation and protection of national cultural particularity is a purely French “invention”, a phenomena which takes its roots in the depths of the national history and maintains its continuity through centuries. Up to now, France remains unique among the developed countries with its thoroughly elaborated and diligently carried on cultural policy leaned on a strong organisational machinery. The facts taken from many latest foreign publications illustrate the narration.

Keywords

• diplomacy of influence
• cultural policy
• cultural diplomacy
• cultural exception