Public diplomacy in divided cities. Study case of Cieszyn and Český Těšín

Radosław Zenderowski

Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0249-0499

Mateusz Krycki

Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw

Abstract

Polish Cieszyn and Czech Český Těšín as a cross-border duopolis is interesting for two reasons: (a) ongoing socio-cultural and economic reintegration processes, and (b) as a place of two strongly established national cultures (Polish and Czech). The authors suggest employing to their study and the phenomenon of transborderness at all the perspective of multidisciplinary public diplomacy theory, sometimes called as soft diplomacy. As such may be useful both in cross-border scientific analysis, as well as for local and government authorities and other stakeholders. The authors will focus on a review of the various forms of bottom-up and top-down action, enrolling in public diplomacy in the Czech and Polish, particularly considering its cultural aspects. The activities of municipal authorities are outlined, as they are responsible for creating such favourable conditions for public diplomacy that would support the intensification of international contacts. Finally, the article is an attempt to assess the relevant projects of this „socialized” diplomacy.

Keywords:

public diplomacy, citizen diplomacy, cross-border city, twin city, Cieszyn, Tesky Tesin