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International representation strategies for stateless nations: The case of Catalonia’s cultural diplomacy

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Abstract

This article analyzes how stateless nations manage their international relations, based on a case study for the autonomous region of Catalonia (Spain). In recent years the Catalonia government’s foreign policy has included a strong emphasis on public diplomacy, seeking to engage foreign publics through a range of activities including much work to present the cultural assets of Catalonia to the rest of the world. This article analyzes the cultural diplomacy strategy developed by Catalonia and implemented through its pioneering 2010–2015 Foreign Action Plan.

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Notes

  1. For more information see www.theguardian.com/world/2012/sep/11/catalan-independence-rally-barcelona (consulted 4 May 2014).

  2. For more information see www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-24052713 (consulted 4 May 2014).

  3. For more details see the Map of the Catalan presence throughout the world: goo.gl/AgIpyu (consulted 30 May 2014).

  4. This includes 5 branches, 2 representative offices, 34 ACC10 offices (agency supporting innovation and internationalization in Catalan companies), 11 branches of ACT (Catalan Tourism Agency), 5 ICEC offices (Catalan Institute of Cultural Businesses), 4 IRL branches (Ramon Llull Institute) and 4 branches of the Catalan Agency for Development Cooperation. Source: ‘El Punt-Avui’ newspaper, 30 March 2013, p. 26.

  5. The program aims to strengthen and promote relationships with the media and information professionals from outside Catalonia, providing them with information and analytical materials that enable them to more easily meet and know their information needs regarding Catalonia. Source: The Autonomous Government of Catalonia’s Ministry of Communication.

  6. This has meant transformation of the old board ‘Patronat Catalunya-Món’ to the current ‘Catalunya-Món-Public Diplomacy Council of Catalonia’ (PCM-DIPLOCAT). This is a joint public–private organization, the main objective of which is to develop a public diplomacy strategy aimed at international civil society to contribute to knowledge regarding and recognition of Catalonia. Source: The Autonomous Government of Catalonia’s Ministry of Communication.

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  1. Communication Department, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Sagrada Família, 7, Barcelona, 08500, Vic, Spain

    Jordi de San Eugenio Vela

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  1. Jordi de San Eugenio Vela
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Correspondence to Jordi de San Eugenio Vela.

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Vela, J., Xifra, J. International representation strategies for stateless nations: The case of Catalonia’s cultural diplomacy. Place Brand Public Dipl 11, 83–96 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1057/pb.2014.17

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