The Evolution of Cultural Diplomacy in the Age of Digitalization of Diplomacy: The Metaverse as a New Platform for Global Cultural Interactions

Bahramipour, Fereshteh; Rezaeipanah, Amir

doi:10.22034/cdrj.2025.516620.1044

The Evolution of Cultural Diplomacy in the Age of Digitalization of Diplomacy: The Metaverse as a New Platform for Global Cultural Interactions

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Fereshteh Bahramipour ¹

Amir Rezaeipanah ²

¹ PhD, International Relations, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

² Ph.D. in Political Science, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22034/cdrj.2025.516620.1044

Abstract

In the era of digitalization, the metaverse-as an emerging interactive and virtual space-has introduced unprecedented opportunities and challenges for cultural diplomacy. This article aims to provide a forward-looking analysis of cultural diplomacy in light of the expanding metaverse, exploring the role of this novel technology in redefining cultural relations among nations. The central research question asks: How does the expansion of the metaverse impact cultural diplomacy on a global scale, and what opportunities and challenges does it pose for international cultural interactions? The core hypothesis of this study is that the metaverse, by offering new platforms for intercultural communication, has the potential to transform traditional models of cultural diplomacy. The findings indicate that the metaverse can foster enhanced cooperation in education, science, culture, and the arts, promote virtual tourism, and eliminate language barriers—thus strengthening cultural ties between nations. However, this digital space also presents notable risks, including threats to user privacy, the erosion of national and local identities, and unequal access to digital infrastructure. This study employs a descriptive-analytical approach and utilizes content analysis to examine the opportunities and threats posed by the metaverse in the realm of cultural diplomacy. Data for this research have been gathered from reputable academic sources and through the analysis of relevant case studies.

Keywords

Metaverse

Cultural Diplomacy

Technology

Digital Diplomacy

Soft Power