On June 16, 2025, the Belgrade Initiative for Public and Digital Diplomacy intended a thought-provoking conference titled “Diplomacy and Religion” at the French Institute in Belgrade bidd.org.rs+7bidd.org.rs+7bidd.org.rs+7.
🎙️ Event Highlights:
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The event brought together diplomats, scholars, and religious leaders, fostering a conversation on how religion influences international relations and public diplomacy.
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Speakers explored topics such as the role of religious identity in diplomatic engagement, strategies for interfaith dialogue, and the ethical dimensions of faith in global policy-making.
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The program emphasized how religious values and institutions can shape both formal diplomatic channels and informal networks, especially in culturally diverse and regionally sensitive contexts.
Why It Matters:
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Religious dynamics remain a powerful undercurrent in today’s global affairs—from shaping public sentiment to influencing state-to-state relations.
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Understanding how various faith communities operate helps diplomats build bridges, manage tensions, and engage authentic cultural communication.
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In places like the Balkans, where religion often overlaps with national identity, such insights are vital for mediators, cultural attachés, and NGOs aiming to design informed policies and outreach.
For the Reader:
Think of religion not just as a matter of belief, but as a component of soft power—a tool that can both facilitate dialogue and, if misunderstood, escalate conflict. This conference highlighted the importance of:
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Interfaith diplomacy: crafting respectful and inclusive spaces for exchange.
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Cultural literacy: diplomats gaining fluency in religious traditions and sensitivities.
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Ethical communication: aligning messaging with values of tolerance and mutual respect.
Konferencija “Diplomatija i religija” na Francuskom institutu
Tamara Ocel
