Council on Foreign Relations
Article: Celebrity English Language Diplomacy: The Rise of Soft Power
Author: John Ralston Saul
Date: July 18, 2021
Summary:
In the article, John Ralston Saul explores the growing importance of celebrity English language diplomacy as a form of soft power. He argues that celebrities, with their vast reach and influence, can play a significant role in shaping public opinion, promoting cross-cultural understanding, and advocating for social and political change.
Saul cites several examples of celebrities who have used their platform to make a positive impact on the world. For instance, he highlights the work of Angelina Jolie as a Special Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), where she has used her fame to raise awareness about the plight of refugees and advocate for their rights. He also mentions the efforts of Leonardo DiCaprio, who has used his celebrity status to raise awareness about climate change and environmental conservation.
Saul argues that celebrity English language diplomacy is a powerful tool that can be used to promote peace, understanding, and cooperation between nations. He calls on celebrities to use their platform responsibly and to work together to make the world a better place.
Key Points:
- Celebrity English language diplomacy is a form of soft power that can be used to shape public opinion, promote cross-cultural understanding, and advocate for social and political change.
- Celebrities, with their vast reach and influence, can play a significant role in raising awareness about important issues and advocating for change.
- There are many examples of celebrities who have used their platform to make a positive impact on the world, such as Angelina Jolie, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Malala Yousafzai.
- Celebrity English language diplomacy can be a powerful tool for promoting peace, understanding, and cooperation between nations.
- Celebrities should use their platform responsibly and work together to make the world a better place.
Implications:
The rise of celebrity English language diplomacy has several implications for the future of international relations.
- First, it suggests that celebrities are increasingly being seen as legitimate actors in the global arena. This is a significant shift from the past, when celebrities were often seen as peripheral figures with little influence on world events.
- Second, it highlights the importance of soft power in international relations. Soft power is the ability to influence others through persuasion and attraction, rather than coercion or force. Celebrity English language diplomacy is a powerful example of soft power, as it can be used to shape public opinion and promote cross-cultural understanding.
- Third, it raises questions about the responsibility of celebrities. With their vast reach and influence, celebrities have a significant impact on society. They have a responsibility to use their platform responsibly and to work together to make the world a better place.
Overall, the rise of celebrity English language diplomacy is a positive development. It suggests that celebrities are increasingly being seen as legitimate actors in the global arena, and that soft power is becoming more important in international relations. However, it is also important to note that celebrities have a responsibility to use their platform responsibly and to work together to make the world a better place.
