RSA Debate: Soft Power: Challenges, Opportunities & Solutions

Discover how culture, heritage, diplomacy and technology shape global influence, and explore the future of soft power in a changing world. RSA Fellows and those working in culture, heritage, diplomacy and international relations are invited to this full-day event exploring the future of soft power. We gratefully acknowledge the speakers, sponsors and individual donors whose support has made this event possible. Soft power is the ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion. Rooted in culture, values, ideas, education and international engagement, it has long complemented traditional diplomacy by helping to foster trust, understanding and cooperation between nations. As global power dynamics shift, the nature and exercise of soft power is evolving. This event will explore how governments, cultural institutions, educational organisations, heritage bodies and civil society can continue to shape international relationships and contribute to global dialogue. Particular attention will be given to the role of culture and heritage in shaping international perceptions, responding to global challenges, and strengthening connections between countries and communities. The programme will consider the growing influence of emerging powers, alongside the continuing role of European nations and international institutions. It will also examine how digital technologies, social media and artificial intelligence are transforming public diplomacy, creating new opportunities for engagement while raising important ethical and practical questions about influence, communication and trust. Soft power has traditionally been expressed through culture, heritage, education, science, tourism and the arts, with sport increasingly recognised as a significant source of international influence. As societies navigate rapid technological, political and cultural change, the event will explore how these foundations of soft power are developing and what this means for the future of international relations. Speakers: The Most Reverend Leo Cushley PhB STB SLL JCD Francesca Hegyi FRSA, Chief Executive, Edinburgh International Festival and Member of the UK Soft Power Council Professor Gayle McPherson FRSA, FAcSS, University of the West of Scotland Jerry O'Donovan, Consul General of Ireland Stéphane Pailler, Consul General of France Paolo Petrocelli FRSA Chiara Ronchini, Great Spa Towns of Europe Alison Turnbull, Director of External Relations and Parterships at Historic Environment Scotland Professor Sophia Labadi, Professor of Heritage, SOAS and Academic Lead, College of Heritage, Riyadh University of the Arts Robert Aldridge, Lord Provost of Edinburgh Peter Drummond, FRSA What you need to know To help us run events smoothly, please book in advance so we can manage capacity. And if your plans change, please cancel your booking. Our events fill quickly and your place could make someone else's day. Everyone should be able to take part in our events fully. If you have any accessibility requirements, let us know via your Eventbrite registration and we'll take care of the rest. By registering, you've agreed to receive event communications and to your name, organisation and title being shared with the host and other attendees to support networking. Please note that photography and filming may take place for archival and promotional purposes. To opt out of either, email [email protected]. The information you provide is used to manage the event and record attendance. To find out more about how we use your data, please see our Privacy Policy. Please note that registration closes two hours before the event begins.