Immersive Technologies and Cultural Diplomacy: Contributions, Challenges, and Perspectives for Moroccan Cultural Soft Power

Abstract

Immersive technologies cover a multitude of emerging technologies focused on immersion, virtualization and interactivity. They cover several categories including three main ones, namely virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR), in addition to other immersive technologies including haptic technology, holography and digital twins. This paper explores the growing role of these technologies in cultural diplomacy, highlighting their creative contributions and potential, their challenges and their perspectives for strengthening Moroccan cultural soft power. From this perspective, we tried to answer our following central question which served as a common thread: How to optimize the integration of immersive technologies in Moroccan cultural diplomacy to strengthen its cultural soft power and promote an immersive, authentic and engaging representation of the culture of Morocco? For this, we highlighted, initially, the specificities of immersive technologies in terms of immersion, virtualization and interactivity and their transformative and structuring potential of the cultural field as well as the contributions of these emerging technologies to the cultural diplomacy. Secondly, we addressed the various issues linked to the integration of immersive technologies in Moroccan cultural diplomacy, while shedding light on the perspectives and opportunities linked to their optimal integration. Thirdly, we have outlined development avenues in the form of recommendations and proposals capable of increasing the effectiveness and attractiveness of Moroccan cultural diplomacy and influence. Keywords: Immersive technologies; cultural diplomacy; soft power; Virtual Reality; Augmented Reality; Mixed Reality.