Collaboration and Public Diplomacy: Sweden

Abstract

This chapter unfolds the link between public diplomacy and foreign policy as it is observed in the Swedish practice. The chapter opens with the historical, bureaucratic and political context of Swedish public diplomacy. The historical account portrays the role of the Swedish model, especially the country’s reputation in working towards solutions for low politics issues, as the basis of its public diplomacy projects. The bureaucratic account establishes the Swedish Institute as the most important organization working on public diplomacy issues. The political account explains that the initial idea for the public diplomacy projects is conceptualized in an environment in which Sweden is threatened by the climate change issues and is keen on supporting an international reaction to climate change and other environmental issues. Next, Facing the Climate is presented in detail. The project is chosen as it is closely connected to a foreign policy objective and as it is based on the Swedish model. Facing the Climate is a multi-year travelling cartoon exhibit and workshop series that focuses on artwork concerning the implications of climate change. The relationship between the Swedish Institute, foreign representations and the local partners also portray the institutional dynamics at play in Swedish relational public diplomacy. The chapter concludes with presenting the pathways of connection observed in the project.