The closure of the American Center in Moscow is just the latest step taken by the Kremlin to crack down on U.S. public diplomacy initiatives within Russia and ratchet up anti-Western sentiment.[...] As Ambassador Tefft suggests, the move marks the culmination of a decades-long process of undermining U.S. cultural influence in Russia that emerged in the wake of the post-perestroika euphoria and belief in the rosy future of Russian-U.S. relations.

The inaugural Lincoln Center Global Exchange in New York on Friday brought together international leaders, stars and guest speakers including Barry Diller, chairman of IAC, parent company of The Daily Beast—explored "how art and culture can become even more effective in fostering healthy citizens, vibrant cities and strong communities.”

Pristina and Belgrade are set for another diplomatic battle over Kosovo’s bid to join United Nations cultural body UNESCO which could further damage relations between Serbia and its former province.[...] As expected, Serbia’s reaction was immediate and fierce. Its leaders vowed to oppose Pristina’s bid, arguing that Kosovo is not a state and has not proved capable of protecting Serbian Orthodox religious monuments and heritage.

In a country that awards the Nobel Peace Prize each year and delights in its reputation for tolerance, the rebranding of Vikings from violent thugs to peaceable craftsmen is part of a broader resurgence of interest in a historical period previously embraced mostly by far-right nationalists.

China’s overall economic and strategic interests now seem to go hand in hand with a willingness to engage with Europe culturally.This move beyond economics and normal diplomacy towards ‘a meeting of minds and souls’ is taking place at a time when China itself has entered a new phase of internal growth, one which has made the question of culture and soft power a core strategic priority for the country’s future growth and prosperity.

A conference themed “Fight against the plundering of Syria’s cultural heritage” organised by the Norwegian Embassy to Bulgaria, was officially opened in the Bulgarian capital city Sofia on Wednesday. "Nowadays, more than ever, we need united and decisive measures to suspend what we call purposeful destruction of history, which we are currently witnessing,” the minister remarked.

India remains an integral part of Afghanistan’s steady progress in institutionalizing peace, pluralism, and prosperity. Ties between Afghanistan and India go beyond the traditionally strong relations at the government level. [...] Moreover, in an effort to further solidify ties between Afghans and Indians, the Afghan Embassy in Delhi has initiated the creation of sister-city relations between major Indian cities and states and their Afghan counterparts. 

“We really hope that the students get an opportunity to learn about Mexico’s history and traditions and we encourage our students to participate and to get to know more about the Mexican culture,” Barrio said. “Our strategic location at the US-Mexico border provides a unique opportunity for our students to live a binational experience.”