C U LT U R E

AND
FOREIGN POLICY
RECOGNIZING AND UNDERSTANDING THE
ROLE OF CULTURE IN FOREIGN POLICY IS
ESSENTIAL FOR EFFECTIVE INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS.

WHY?
1) CULTURE CAN SIGNIFICANTLY INFLUENCE THE
DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN FOREIGN POLICY.
• One important aspect of this influence is the role of advisers in shaping foreign policy decisions. The impact
of advisers can vary depending on when and where they enter the decision-making process. For instance, the
timing of their presentation of information to the president can affect their influence (Redd, 2002). This
suggests that the cultural background and perspectives of advisers can shape the advice they provide and
subsequently influence foreign policy decisions.
• Another cultural factor that can influence the decision-making process in foreign policy is public opinion.
Leaders who are accountable to the public are more likely to consider the potential electoral impact of their
decisions. The salience of foreign policy issues to the public plays a central role in this consideration. When the
public is more attentive to foreign policy issues, leaders are more likely to take public opinion into
account in their decision-making process (Knecht & Weatherford, 2006). This highlights the influence of
cultural factors, such as public attitudes and values, on foreign policy decision making.
• Culture can influence the decision-making process in foreign policy through various mechanisms.
Understanding the cultural dimensions of decision making is crucial for comprehending the complexities
of foreign policy formulation.
• Read: https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2021/07/05/jfk-cuban-missile-crisis-friend-497878
• https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/foreign-policy-brain-trusts-obamas-advisers
T I M P E N A S I H AT K E B I J A K A N L U A R N E G E R I P R E S I D E N J O K O W I D O D O

Sumber:
https://nasional.kontan.co.id/news/inilah-orang-penting-
dibalik-pidato-jokowi-di-kaa
2) CULTURE PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN SHAPING
COMMUNICATION NETWORKS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

• The study by Barnett & Sung (2005) explores the relationship between national culture and the
structure of the international hyperlink network. They argue that the centrality of a country in the
network, which refers to the number of links or social distance required to reach other components, is
influenced by national culture.
• According to World Systems Theory, international interaction is organized in a center-to-periphery
structure, and understanding how national culture relates to internet flows can provide insights into the
construction of intercultural communication structures (Barnett & Sung, 2005).
• This study demonstrates that culture influences the structure and dynamics of communication
networks in international relations. National culture can shape the centrality of a country in the
international hyperlink network, affecting the flow of information and communication between nations.
Understanding the interplay between culture and communication networks is essential for
comprehending the complexities of international relations and developing effective strategies for
intercultural communication and cooperation.
 3) CULTURE CAN INFLUENCE FOREIGN POLICY DECISION-MAKING
BY SHAPING THE BELIEFS, VALUES, AND NORMS OF POLICYMAKERS

• The cultural background of advisers can impact their perception of threats, understanding of national interests, and preferred strategies for
achieving foreign policy goals (Redd, 2002). This cultural influence can lead to shifts in foreign policy approaches and priorities.
• Additionally, cultural factors can shape public opinion and domestic discourse on foreign policy issues. Public attitudes and values, influenced by culture,
can play a significant role in determining the direction and priorities of foreign policy.
• For example, a cultural shift towards postmaterialism in Israeli society contributed to a major change in Israeli foreign policy, as seen in the Oslo
Accords. The rise of a new generation with a more liberal outlook, influenced by cultural change, played a significant role in this foreign policy shift.
• Cultural change can also impact the perception of national identity and values, which in turn can affect foreign policy. As societies undergo cultural
transformations, their understanding of national identity and values may change, leading to shifts in foreign policy goals and strategies. For instance, a
country that experiences a cultural shift towards a more inclusive and cosmopolitan worldview may prioritize diplomacy, cooperation, and human
rights in its foreign policy approach.
• Understanding the role of cultural factors is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of foreign policy and predicting potential shifts in policy
approaches and priorities.
4) CULTURE CAN PLAY A CRUCIAL ROLE IN
FACILITATING DIALOGUE BETWEEN NATIONS IN
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
• The study by Voss et al. (2006) explores the role of culture in relational exchange within US-
Japanese marketing strategic alliances. The research highlights the significance of cultural
compatibility and understanding in fostering effective communication and collaboration
between partners from different cultural backgrounds. The study emphasizes the importance of
cultural sensitivity, mutual respect, and the ability to navigate cultural differences in building
successful international partnerships.

• Cultural diplomacy is another avenue through which culture can facilitate dialogue between
nations. Cultural exchange programs, artistic performances, and exhibitions can serve as platforms
for intercultural dialogue, fostering understanding and cooperation between countries. These
initiatives provide opportunities for individuals from different cultures to engage in meaningful
interactions, exchange ideas, and challenge stereotypes, ultimately promoting mutual
understanding and building bridges between nations (Ociepka & Arendarska, 2021).

• Furthermore, cultural similarities and shared values can serve as a basis for dialogue and
cooperation in international relations. When nations share common cultural traits, such as
language, religion, or historical experiences, it can create a sense of familiarity and trust,
facilitating communication and collaboration. Cultural affinity can provide a foundation for
building relationships and finding common ground, which can be instrumental in resolving
conflicts and promoting peaceful relations between nations (Poplavska, 2022).
• Read:
https://thediplomat.com/2023/06/cultural-diplomacy-as-a-key-instrument-of-china-central-asia-coo
FOR NEXT WEEK:
• Tugas individu: Buat satu halaman yang menjelaskan keterkaitan antara ide,
identitas, dan ideologi dalam konteks hubungan internasional. Lalu jelaskan
bagaimana ide, identitas, dan ideologi dapat mempengaruhi interaksi antara
negara-negara.
• Tugas dapat dikerjakan dalam bentuk teks, infografis, mind-map, dsb sesuai
kreativitas Anda.
• Deadline tugas: Minggu, 24 September 2023, pukul 22.00 WIB, dikumpulkan
melalui Vclass.
• Hasil kerja mahasiswa dalam tugas ini akan dibahas pada pertemuan
selanjutnya: Senin, 25 September 2023.
REFERENCES
• Barnett, G. and Sung, E. (2005). Culture and the structure of the international hyperlink network. Journal of
Computer-Mediated Communication, 11(1), 217-238. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1083-6101.2006.tb00311.x
• Hlatky, S. and Breede, H. (2016). The cultural variable in foreign and defence policy. Canadian Foreign
Policy Journal, 22(2), 103-107. https://doi.org/10.1080/11926422.2016.1190941
• Hudson, V. and Sampson, M. (1999). Culture is more than a static residual: introduction to the special section
on culture and foreign policy. Political Psychology, 20(4), 667-675. https://doi.org/10.1111/0162-895x.00163
• Malici, A. (2006). Germans as venutians: the culture of german foreign policy behavior. Foreign Policy
Analysis, 2(1), 37-62. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-8594.2005.00019.x
• Poplavska, M. (2022). Main directions of cultural diplomacy of the usa and japan. Socio-Cultural
Management Journal, 5(2), 68-79. https://doi.org/10.31866/2709-846x.2.2022.267520
• Rynhold, J. (2007). Cultural shift and foreign policy change. Cooperation and Conflict, 42(4), 419-440.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0010836707082649
• Saaida, M. (2023). The role of culture and identity in international relations. East African Journal of
Education and Social Sciences, 4(1), 49-57. https://doi.org/10.46606/eajess2023v04i01.0255