Η ελληνική εκπαίδευση στο εξωτερικό ως μέσο πολιτιστικής διπλωματίας. Η περίπτωση της Λατινικής Αμερικής

Abstract

Over the past years, many states have invested in public diplomacy to increase their power in the international political arena. Cultural diplomacy, a means of promoting internationally a state through its culture, is a significant component of public diplomacy. Education has an important role to play in promoting abroad the cultural identity of a nation. Exploiting education as a diplomatic tool to positively enhance the international image of a state and increase its soft power has been a concern for the modern world for many years, although it has been in fact a very old method of empowering states on the planet. Greece appears to formally recognize the benefits of utilizing education and culture in its international relations, yet the lack of strong vision, political strategies and modern cultural productivity are the most important obstacles to effectively promoting the country abroad, a country that has a strong advantage over other states, that of its great, renowned and attractive cultural heritage. In a difficult time for the country, Greek communities, the institution of the Greek school and all kinds of Greek education abroad, can help improve its foreign relations and strengthen its status internationally. The presence of Greek communities and Greek education in Latin America has been a long- standing and important one, although in recent years it has been downgraded mainly due to the lack of support from the competent Greek authorities. We strongly believe that the redefinition of the country's foreign policy goals and the review of its diplomatic strategies are of the utmost importance taking into account the role of education as a diplomatic tool and current data on the subject.