Mark C. Donfried - Executive Director and Founder of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy

Q: What is the primary goal of cultural diplomacy?

The goal is to educate, enhance, and sustain relationships between different groups. It focuses on building trust and understanding at local, national, and global levels to facilitate cooperation on urgent world issues.

Q: Why does the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy advocate for interfaith dialogue?

The Institute believes that religion should be a constructive force in the future. By bringing together moderate leaders from various faiths, it becomes possible to move past historical conflicts and address shared challenges through collective action.

Q: How is soft power defined in the context of international relations?

Soft power is described as a force of construction, contrasting with hard power, which is characterized by destruction. It serves as a necessary tool to move society forward by fostering relationships that allow people to work together on critical tasks.

Q: Why is trust considered more important than agreement in diplomacy?

Trust provides the necessary foundation for cooperation between diverse groups. While parties may not always agree or even like one another, having solid relationships based on trust allows them to set aside differences and address real-world problems effectively.

Abstract

This video presents an insightful interview with Mark Donfried, the founder of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, regarding the necessity of soft power in international relations. Donfried emphasizes that building mutual trust and understanding is vital for addressing urgent global issues like poverty and environmental concerns. The discussion highlights the critical role of moderate religious voices in fostering peace and collaborative efforts across nations.