FROM THE CULTURAL MISSION TO THE INTERNATIONAL PROJECTION OF CULTURE. MEXICO’S CULTURAL DIPLOMACY (1900-2000)

Abstract

The projection of a country’s culture abroad is a characteristic action of what is
called cultural diplomacy; many countries have used cultural diplomacy strategies
to promote their identity, values, symbols, traditions, lifestyles, as well as the
most outstanding artistic manifestations to position it as an admirable country,
in such a way as to generate a favorable climate for cooperation and business
with countries which maintains relations. The purpose of this article is to
investigate the relevant milestones of Mexico’s cultural diplomacy throughout
the 20th century. Thus, taking the Mexican case as an example, we intend to
show how the cultural component in foreign policy contributed to reaffirm the
country’s international prestige.