Abstract
ABSTRACT This paper advances theoretical insights into the application of the concept of soft power within translation studies, addressing the gaps left by contemporary research on cultural diplomacy, translation, and politics. It focuses on translation as a soft-power resource and offers a critical reflection on the possibilities, utility, and challenges of this interdisciplinary approach. The first section reviews how the literature on translation and power has contributed to shaping theoretical insights in the past. The second section deepens the discussion by exploring the gaps in this state of the art – specifically, the relational nature of translation and its role in shaping collectivities, considering the interactions between state and non-state actors. We propose broadening the analysis of soft-power strategies to critically assess their effectiveness and the complex notions of success and failure often associated with them. The third section highlights promising research avenues and examines crossovers between the ten papers in this special issue. Finally, the fourth section summarizes these articles, organizing them into three thematic threads: (1) translation, soft power, and cultural diplomacy; (2) translation, soft power, and modes of consecration in the literary field; and (3) translation, soft power, and non-literary genres, and translation, soft power, and periodicals.
Published Version
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