Nation image construction; Norwegian cultural diplomacy and international attraction

پژوهش نامه ایرانی سیاست بین الملل

Article 3, Volume 10, Issue 1 - Serial Number 19, December 2021, Pages 59-91   

Document Type: مقالات

DOI: 10.22067/irlip.2021.21418.0

Author

Arash Beidollahkhani^*

Abstract

From the development perspective, the richest countries are the center of the aspirations of politicians, elites, investors, entrepreneurs and etc. Moreover, they are at the center of ordinary people's attention. The wealth linked to culture and geographical location can be the basis for positively projecting international and development ideas to increase the positive reputation of countries and their identity and cultural foundations and make them the center of global attention and attraction. The Scandinavian region is one of the places where the geography of wealth and its development have increased its positive perception. Norway is one of the countries in the region that today has a great attraction and popularity at the international level. Norway's name and branding carry the mental and perceptual processes that make this small country popular and attractive. The main focus of this paper is on the fundamentals of Norway's branding and positive reputation in the international system through cultural diplomacy tools. By describing the important actions and initiatives of Norwegian cultural diplomacy which planned through policymakers in a historical perspective, the paper emphasizes that Norway, despite its significant geopolitical weaknesses and small size, has been able to achieve a positive international branding and positive international reputation in the international system through the positive use of culture.  Policy-driven management and the proper use of open and tolerant Norwegian culture, which is part of Nordic culture, has increased Norway's attractiveness and positive perception at the international system.

Keywords

Norway; Brand; Diplomacy; Culture; Scandinavia

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