~ Connecting cultures through dialogue ~

 

Founded in 2012, The Institute for Cultural Relations Policy is a non-governmental and non-profit organisation fostering scientific education and public discourse regarding cultural relations policy. The institution is based in Budapest, Hungary.

ICRP focuses on global intercultural dialogue and forms of cooperation between intra-cultural entities, aiming to promote the protection of International Human Rights and recognition of cultural diversity and heritage in an interdependent world.

Hungary’s geographical location and its great accessibility in the middle of Europe make it possible for ICRP to serve as a meeting point to facilitate the public exposure of the perspectives and interests of different communities, governments, international organisations, NGOs, businesses, scholars, thinkers and common citizens, in the hope that this will contribute to the evolving process of the dialogue among civilizations through cultural diplomacy.

Andras Lorincz (Founder)

What is cultural relations policy?

Cultural relations policy (CRP) consists of two aspects of international relations.  As an integral part of foreign policy, it focuses on intercultural dialogue and policies based on common cultural heritage under international law. Interactions within (1) intercultural relations derive from unilateral actions or considered as bilateral and multilateral ones. Interactions within (2) intra-cultural relations are primarily kin-state policies and/or predominantly determined by pan movements. These approaches are valid in interstate relations, interregional relations and in cooperation among states and sub national entities.

Apart from international relations, cultural relations policy exists in multicultural host countries having effect on the communication, political thought, party politics, etc. of diverse ethnic, religious or cultural groups.

“… only a country to which people flock by the thousands from all corners of the world, has the right to advise others how to live. And the country from which so many others break out, across its frontiers, in tanks, or fly away in the homemade balloons or in the latest supersonic fighter, or escape across mine-fields and through machine-gun ambushes, or give the slip to packs of guard-dogs, that country certainly has no right to teach anyone anything – at least not for the time being.
First of all, put your own house in order. Try to create there such a society that people will not dig underground passages in order to escape. Only then shall we earn the right to teach others. And not with our tanks, but with good advice and our own personal example. Observe, admire, then go and imitate our example, if it pleases you.”

— Viktor Suvorov

Cultural Relations Policy in practice

The conception of cultural relations policy has a unique approach toward subjects of international relations for the reason that its scope contains not only states but sub-national entities and institutions in international relations as well; however applied methodology of this approach recognises existing differences between entities with various level of sovereignty.

We believe that cultural relations policy will be a key factor in international relations in the 21st century. Dialogue of civilizations and cultural diplomacy can serve as new tools in intercultural relations. As international role of sub-national regions emerging, identity politics become more relevant. ICRP is aware that identity preservation is an aim and instrument at the same time. We believe it serves international peace and stability in the future. Cultural relations policy takes sub national entities into account therefore it contributes to support peaceful patterns of international relations.

‘The geopolitics of the 21st century mean we need to see a revival of cultural diplomacy’…‘Cultural relations today are increasingly concerned with developing long-term relationships and sharing and learning, as opposed to one-way promotional activities.’

— Culture Report, EUNIC Yearbook 2011

Initiatives of ICRP

As an independent institution, ICRP brings together diplomats, political actors, future decision-makers and young intellectuals. Our mission is to build up online resources, operate information service, organise international conferences, seminars, summer schools and support publications related to cultural relations policy.
ICRP convenes an Advisory Board in order to create an intellectual background for its activities. Most ICRP Advisory Board members are diplomats, reputed professors, editors and authors from the European Union and all over the world.

 

 

‘Cultural relations policy is an integral part of foreign policy. It focuses on intercultural dialogue and policies based on common cultural heritage under international law.’

— ICRP Brief Summary

 

‘States may have an interest in the well-being of minority groups abroad, especially those with whom they are linked by ethnic, cultural, linguistic or religious identity, or a common cultural heritage.’

— The Bolzano/Bozen Recommendations on National Minorities in Inter-State Relations 2008