Izvorni znanstveni članak
Communication Aspects of Informal Cultural Diplomacy in Upper Podravina: Connecting Croatia and Slovenia
Vesna Haluga
orcid.org/0000-0003-1524-5169
; Grad Varaždin
*
Petar Kurečić
orcid.org/0000-0002-7763-6651
; Sveučilište Sjever, Koprivnica
*
Iva Kokorić
; Orbico d.o.o., Zagreb
*
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
Cultural diplomacy, as one of the forms of diplomacy within international relations, can play a key role in promoting international understanding and cooperation. In addition to official diplomatic representatives – such as ambassadors, consuls general, consuls and honorary consuls – there are also individuals who, very often for purely altruistic motives, act as informal promoters of cultural cooperation between states and peoples. This paper, through a case study, analyses the activities of a person associated with Gornja Podravina, Dunja Pavelić Bezjak, a Varaždin resident in Maribor who, through her engagement, has significantly contributed to cultural exchange between the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Slovenia, especially in the area of Gornja Podravina and in the cities of Varaždin and Maribor. Through projects in the fields of art, education, humanitarian work and media promotion, Dunja Pavelić Bezjak has shown how an individual, using the so-called “soft power”, can initiate intercultural dialogue, improve cultural exchange and act as a modern informal diplomat, often performing precisely the tasks usually performed by professional diplomats and cultural attachés. Informal diplomats, using their unique experience of living abroad, can significantly contribute to promoting cultural and educational ties and improving political relations between countries. Dunja Pavelić Bezjak's activities, including organizing exhibitions, concerts, publishing publications, and humanitarian initiatives, confirm the importance of personal commitment in representing one's homeland on the international stage. Her example clearly shows that individuals who operate outside of formal diplomatic structures can play a key role in cultural diplomacy, fostering cooperation and mutual understanding between nations. This case study further highlights the need to recognize and support informal actors and their initiatives in the development of interstate relations.
Ključne riječi
Hrčak ID:
334434
URI
Datum izdavanja:
31.7.2025.
Posjeta: 172 *