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Expo 2020, Cultural Diplomacy, and the UAE’s Pursuit of Soft Power

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2023-05-01

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Engelland-Gay, Amanda. 2023. Expo 2020, Cultural Diplomacy, and the UAE’s Pursuit of Soft Power. Master's thesis, Harvard University Division of Continuing Education.

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This thesis explores how World Expos, and Expo 2020 Dubai specifically, have been utilized by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to further its soft power goals. The UAE has evolved from a fledgling nation established in 1971 to an aspiring global soft power in 2023. UAE foreign policy has emphasized cultural diplomacy from its inception, culminating in its present-day nation-branding as a global connector and bridge between East and West. This connector function, facilitated by its cultural diplomacy initiatives, is a cornerstone of present-day UAE foreign policy and is wholly complementary to the UAE’s economic interests. This thesis explores UAE participation in World Expos, and particularly the hosting of Expo 2020 Dubai, as integral to and a catalyst for the development of the UAE approach to cultural diplomacy, as well as its soft power strategy.

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International relations

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https://nrs.harvard.edu/URN-3:HUL.INSTREPOS:37375015

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