The Elephant in the Fog: Cultural Diplomacy

In a world where people can access recorded music and attend live concerts of artists from around the world, where governments have formed alliances to promote their heritage and simultaneously that of other nations, where intellectual property, international and immigration laws enable the influx of cultural exchange, some countries are drowning in the depth of their own art. Namely, Cuba and Iran will be discussed. Perspectives on cultural diplomacy and the aforementioned laws will be assessed for their positive and negative effects, as will the inhibition that has systematically denied cultural exchange to the same, and the offered solutions thus far will create a foundation for dialogue. The critique of culture organizations aims and missions, copyright, sanctions and the artist visa process in the U.S., specific instances of inhibiting Cuban and Iranian artists thereto, and the intentions of recognized leaders will hopefully instill a sense of awareness of this phenomenon.