Дискурс Пи (Jul 2020)
“Animal diplomacy” as a direction of multimodal diplomacy
Abstract
The aim of the article is to study animal diplomacy as one of the areas of multimodal diplomacy. Achieving this goal involves solving a number of tasks: 1) determining the place of animal diplomacy in diplomatic activity; 2) the study of its various forms in a historical perspective; 3) assessment of the role of this diplomatic direction in the foreign policy of states. Research Methods. The work uses the systematic method (in the study of animal diplomacy in conjunction with other areas of diplomacy), the historical method (studying the genesis of animal diplomacy), as well as general theoretical methods - analysis synthesis (to highlight ways of animal participation in diplomacy, as well as features of individual varieties of animal diplomacy), synthesis (to summarize the data). In addition, animal diplomacy is examined from the perspective of the theory of soft power as a means of achieving goals on the basis of voluntary participation, attractiveness and sympathy. Results. It is alleged that animals have historically been a part of diplomatic interactions and have influenced interstate relations. It is noted that animal diplomacy is considered in two ways: the public presentation of animals as a gift and their symbolic promotion in the international arena. It is proved that animal diplomacy, acquiring various hybrid forms, is an important area of multimodal diplomacy. Animal diplomacy is often part of the agenda of various areas of public diplomacy (cultural, digital, environmental, scientific, etc.) and is not associated with specific goals in the field of international relations. Varieties of animal diplomacy are studied in a historical perspective (elephant diplomacy, platypus diplomacy, giraffe diplomacy, etc.). The most famous is the panda diplomacy. The conclusion of lease agreements of pandas symbolizes China's willingness to build "Guangxi" - trade relations characterized by trust, loyalty and longevity. Scientific novelty. It is proved that animal diplomacy in the modern version is not related to bribes or tributes - its purpose is to attract public attention, demonstrate goodwill, increase the reputation and attractiveness of the state, increase its soft power.
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