International representation strategies for stateless nations: The case of Catalonia’s cultural diplomacy

Abstract

This article analyzes how stateless nations manage their international relations, based on a case study for the autonomous region of Catalonia (Spain). In recent years the Catalonia government’s foreign policy has included a strong emphasis on public diplomacy, seeking to engage foreign publics through a range of activities including much work to present the cultural assets of Catalonia to the rest of the world. This article analyzes the cultural diplomacy strategy developed by Catalonia and implemented through its pioneering 2010–2015 Foreign Action Plan.