In this seminar, Dr. Singh contemplate against the universalization of the normative framework of Public Diplomacy based on western experiences and argue for an integral approach towards PD, by presenting a case of possible contribution of Indian political traditions to the study and practice of public diplomacy. The talk would be divided into following three sections:

I.          Need to de-americanize Public Diplomacy? (against universalization of western PD)

II.        Regionalization of PD: Perspectives from Indian Political Thought

III.       Integral Public Diplomacy (synthesis of the west and the east)

I. De-americanizing Public Diplomacy: The term Public Diplomacy (PD) was coined by an American scholar Edmund Gullion at Tufts’ University Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in 1965. Both in terms of theory and the way it is practiced, PD seems to be based on western traditions, experiences and even priorities. The conventional definition of PD as ‘informing, educating and influencing foreign publics’ embodies the idea of plus ultra (ever more) i.e. reaching to the further and farther, signaling the connection that “civilization is white’s man burden”. This outward exploration may also signal the desire to control and conquer the world, territorially and ideationally. Export of western values like individualism, democracy, safeguarding human rights etc. are some examples of outward exploration in modern times with all their positive attributes and consequences. The desire-to-conquer the minds and hearts of people through this outreach is the crux of public diplomacy.

Why do we need to de-americanize the PD? Problem of Goals, Problem of Scope, Problem of Intentions (to be elaborated in the talk)

II. Regionalization of PD: Indian Perspective

1.         Cosmic Duty Culture: Unlike the western tradition which is based on the anthropocentric principle, life within Indian tradition is guided by the cosmic contract.

2.         The basis of nationhood in India has also been spiritual and emotional.

Takeaways: PD as people-centric; problem-solving; peace-oriented and unbounded process.

III. Integral Public Diplomacy: No tradition can have a 360 degree vision of the world,  both traditions have their own strengths and blind spots. Perhaps our contemporary cross-cultural human situation provides an opportunity for cultures and traditions to reawaken and renew one another, in a spirit of mutual learning, correction and dialogue. An integral PD would not counter rather accommodate diverse ideas and ideals; spanning the credibility and scope of PD and its efficacy in true sense.

Language: English

Date: 27th of September, 2021

Time: 6:00 PM Moscow Time Zone

Online Platform: MS Teams