Mexico's cultural diplomacy

The following qualitative research will examine the extent to which the cultural diplomacy strategy carried out by a country can have a positive impact on its development, using Mexico as case study. This research will use a broad definition of development that is not limited to economic growth. Interviews were carried out with: three scholars who are experts in the study of cultural diplomacy in Mexico, three cultural attachés stationed at Mexican embassies, and three directors of Mexican Cultural Institutes. They were asked to reflect on the impact that cultural diplomacy has had on Mexico's development, according to their experience. The analysis of the interviews drew from key concepts in cultural economics theory, as well as the review of three theories in international relations that can serve to better understand cultural diplomacy: Soft Power, Nation Branding and Cosmopolitan Constructivism. The interviews provided useful information regarding the elements that constitute an effective strategy for cultural diplomacy in general, and in the case of Mexico in particular.