Country Profiles: Germany - Institute for Cultural Diplomacy

2. Methodology
Before starting to assess whether there is cultural diplomacy in Germany, some methodological
questions have to be addressed.
First and foremost, it is necessary to define the scope of the report. What exactly does the
report mean when talking about cultural diplomacy in Germany? Does it include cultural
diplomacy conducted in the geographical entity named Germany by all relevant institutions,
German and non-German? Is it only cultural diplomacy conducted by German institutions,
organisations, foundations and individuals in and outside Germany? Or is it rather the actions
undertaken by those German institutions solely within Germany? For this report it was agreed
to include examples taking place in Germany or being carried out by German organisations
abroad.
Secondly, organisations or initiatives are seen as examples of cultural diplomacy when they
have at least one of the following aims: To promote the exchange of ideas, information,
values, systems, traditions, beliefs, and other aspects of culture, with the intention of fostering
mutual understanding. 77
Third, the examples of activities and projects which can be defined as cultural diplomacy in
Germany, making up the body of the report, are chosen bearing certain criteria in mind. These
criteria are in line with a rationale of quality examples representing a diversity of projects
and organisations. First of all, to maintain a diversity of examples, the report draws on
initiatives from the public and private sector, as well as from civil society. In this report, the
definitions of cultural diplomacy in the public and private sector, as well as civil society are as
follows:
� Cultural diplomacy in the public sector is taken to mean organisations or
programmes initiated or currently directed by public institutions and offices.
� Cultural diplomacy in the private sector: Foundations or programmes initiated or
currently directed by private enterprises and business.
� Cultural diplomacy in civil society: Foundations or programmes initiated or currently
directed by civil society (NGOs, foundations, philanthropists).
The rationale of quality combined with diversity was also central to selecting the examples for
each of the three sectors. As indicators of quality, the report primarily used awards,
longevity (historical importance) and the programmes or organisation’s standing in Germany.
With regards to the diversity of examples, this was ensured through the selection of examples
which differed in themes and size. Thus, the report covers projects focusing on everything
from educational exchange to the promotion of arts to intercultural dialogue through
sports. Furthermore, the report attempts to strike a balance between organisations and
initiatives acting on an international, national, regional and local level.
Finally, it is important to note that this report on cultural diplomacy in Germany is intended to
give an overview of the current state of affairs and does not purport to be a quantitative
analysis of the situation.