Cultural Relations or Cultural Diplomacy; Tim Rivera

I have just received this report as a pdf file, from a friend. I shall read it with great interest. More anon.

Distinguishing Cultural Relations From Cultural Diplomacy: The British Council’s Relationship With Her Majesty’s Government, Tim Rivera,  January 2015, Figueroa Press, Los Angeles

"It presents cultural relations as a more effective soft power practice than cultural diplomacy".

Dissertation, Slide Share

USC Centre on Public Diplomacy

Author Tim Rivera, formerly of the British Council, is currently Programs Officer (Partnership Instrument & Outreach) at the Delegation of the European Union to the United States. In this issue of Perspectives, Rivera takes an in-depth look at the state of British cultural diplomacy, identifying some challenges facing the British Council and offering a concise explanation of the differences between "cultural relations" and "cultural diplomacy."


Related: UK Diplomats, Language Proficiency, Shortfall and Weaknesses, Arabic and Russian

"There is an "alarming" shortfall in the number of Foreign Office (FCO) diplomats able to speak Arabic or Russian, MPs said as they warned against potentially "disastrous" future budget cuts.
The Foreign Affairs Committee said the "strongest criticisms" they had heard from witnesses about the FCO's language abilities were for regions where there is "particular instability" and the greatest need for expertise".

"Still Punching Above Its Weight?" BBC

I have to record that I loathe that over-used politicians' cliche "Punching above our weight". It should be banned.