Zoltán Fehér : The New Faces of an Old Art: Creative Diplomacy in the 21st Century
Charles University, Jinonice, room J2080
Prague, 17 h
For centuries, the often uneasy and war-burdened relations between countries were not only conducted on the formal governmental level - in fact they were mostly shaped through backdoor dealings. The gradual democratization of most countries in the world has brought about an opening of diplomacy towards the wider public. With the help of the digital revolution, many governments have engaged in new, experimental forms of diplomacy in recent years. Drawing on his own experience of rising through the ranks of the Hungarian diplomatic corps, Zoltán Fehér will identify and define the pioneering new forms of transatlantic diplomacy ranging from the representations of national cultures through art events to the creative use of the potential of the mass media for cultural diplomacy to the diplomatic use of the "new media" such as social networks and blogging. In his presentation, Fehér hopes to challenge his audience to think outside the box of conventional diplomacy and identify and pursue alternative and new forms of cultural ties – for a new understanding of international relations in the 21st century.
Zoltán Fehér has just stepped down as Hungary's Chargé d'Affaires in Ankara, Turkey. He served as Hungary’s deputy ambassador in Ankara, Turkey since 2011. He previously served at the Embassy of Hungary in Washington D.C. as Chief Creative Officer and Foreign Policy Analyst (2005-2009), and held various positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2002. He holds Master’s degrees in Political Theory and American Studies from Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) and a Law degree from Pázmány Catholic University. In 2001/2002, he studied International Relations at Bard College (New York State) as a Kellner Scholar. He has taught International Relations and European Studies at ELTE, Pázmány Catholic University and King Sigismund College while his scholarly work has also been published. From 2009 to 2011, he served as President of the Young Diplomats Club in Budapest. His work and achievements have been written on in various publications, including the Diplomatic Pouch, The Washington Times, CBS News, The Georgetowner, Népszabadság, Fraternity Magazine, Forbes Magazine and Ankara Scene.