Measuring success in cultural diplomacy - the use of education, creative expression in any form, or people-to-people exchange to increase understanding across regions, cultures, or peoples - is challenging. How does one quantify changes in attitude, abandoning stereotypes, or feeling empathy as a result of a performance, a film, a book?

The quote by Cynthia P. Schneider highlights the complexities involved in measuring success in the field of cultural diplomacy. Cultural diplomacy uses tools such as education, creative expression, and people-to-people exchanges to foster greater understanding and connection across different regions and cultures. However, unlike traditional diplomacy or economic measures, its impact is often subtle and difficult to quantify.

The origin of this quote comes from Schneider’s experience as a scholar and practitioner in cultural diplomacy. She points out the challenge of assessing how events like performances, films, or books can lead to meaningful changes in people’s attitudes, the abandonment of stereotypes, or the growth of empathy. These outcomes are intangible and do not easily translate into numbers or clear metrics, making evaluation inherently complex.

This quote resonates because it sheds light on the nuanced nature of cultural diplomacy, where success is often about shifting perceptions and emotional connections rather than concrete or immediate results. Schneider’s words remind us that the true power of culture lies in its ability to influence hearts and minds, even if those changes can’t be immediately measured or fully understood.

In summary, Cynthia P. Schneider’s quote emphasizes that while cultural diplomacy plays a crucial role in building bridges across cultures, its success defies simple measurement. It challenges us to appreciate the profound yet often invisible impact of cultural interactions on human attitudes and relationships.