The Opportunities and Challenges of Cultural Diplomacy of Iran in Five Countries of the Persian Gulf

Published in: Intercultural Studies, Issue 33, 2018, pp. 135–164

This article examines the landscape of cultural diplomacy between Iran and five Arab countries of the Persian Gulf. Drawing on regional cultural affinities and historical ties, it identifies both latent and active opportunities for engagement—such as shared social values and longstanding people-to-people connections. The study also categorizes key challenges into cognitive, attitudinal, and operational domains, highlighting gaps in cultural understanding, strategic planning, and institutional practice. While rooted in a policy-oriented framework, the article offers broader insights into the complexities of cross-cultural interaction in a geopolitically sensitive region.

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