Image of teapot and cup and saucer
September 2019

Reading the tea leaves

Alison Baily looks at the rich and surprising history of the nation’s favourite beverage – and what it reveals about cultural contact and infusion.

  • Cultural relations
  • Soft power
  • United Kingdom
  • Insight article
Image of people holding hands
September 2019

Diversity in all its diversity

People everywhere say they want diversity. But this may mean different things. International engagement requires understanding of this area and practicing what we preach.

  • Decolonisation and anti-racism
  • Equality, diversity and inclusion
  • Trust and dialogue
  • United Kingdom
  • Insight article
Image of smiling female
August 2019

Knowledge diplomacy

Knowledge Diplomacy’ is increasingly appearing in debates about the role of education internationally. We look at why.

  • Education
  • Higher education
  • Cultural relations
  • Soft power
  • Trust and dialogue
  • United Kingdom
  • Insight article
Image of Hogwarts
August 2019

Harry Potter and the drivers of trust

Why Harry Potter is a leading emissary of British attractiveness and values, and his little-known link with the British Council.

  • Arts and culture
  • Literature
  • Economy and prosperity
  • Trust and dialogue
  • United Kingdom
  • Insight article
Image of London at the meridian
August 2019

The UK’s soft power challenge

The UK’s soft power pre-eminence is vital for its post-Brexit future, but increasingly being challenged. Insight looks at the latest evidence.

  • Soft power
  • Trust and dialogue
  • United Kingdom
  • Insight article

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