O intercâmbio acadêmico-cultural como ferramenta de Soft Power : o caso norte-americano.

Abstract

From the 20th century onwards, there were considerable changes in the world scenario, causing some reflections on the concept of power. By recognizing these changes, political scientist Joseph Nye Jr. introduces the concept of Soft Power, a term used to describe a country’s ability to get desired outcomes through cooperation, engaging other countries through its cultural and political values. In this sense, the aim of this study is to identify the importance of culture in international relations, analyzing the advantages that the United States have by using academic and cultural exchange programs as a Soft Power tool. In order to understand the importance of exchange programs in promoting the North American culture, some important elements that contribute to the dissemination of North American Soft Power through education and culture are introduced. Therefore, to elucidate the study, the Fulbright program is introduced, and some examples of different study opportunities promoted by the United States are illustrated. Finally, from this study, it is clear that the academic and cultural exchange programs are really important Soft Power tools in educational terms, providing a cultural exchange between nations, and at the same time, fostering a country’s public diplomacy.