Research and Interviews
Commentary, research articles and conversations on cultural diplomacy, heritage, the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Reposted works are marked and credited to their authors.
Analysis
Research
From digital diplomacy to AI-driven diplomacies? Mapping the potential impact of AI on Diplomacy
Abstract The rapid and consecutive launch of artificial intelligence applications over the past 3 years has led digital diplomacy scholars to envision the future of artificial intelligence–driven diplomacy.…
Reposted. Ilan Manor, Communication and the Public, 2026.
Peace Is America’s Strategic Imperative
In Washington, peace is often spoken of in moral terms-an aspiration to be pursued when conditions allow. But in today’s fractured world, peace is not a luxury. It…
CDDF commentary.
Art of island Southeast Asia: the Fred and Rita Richman Collection in the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Reposted from an external publication; see the source note in the article.
Heads held high: How a headscarf became a symbol of identity for the nation of Azerbaijan and how tradition has been renewed through eras of change
Abstract The Azerbaijani “kelaghayi” (woman’s silk headscarf) has long been one of the most popular elements of traditional Azerbaijani clothing, and an important icon of Azerbaijani national identity.…
Research article; see the source note in the article.
Sharing the Heritage of Dani Art: The Hampton Collection at the Tracing Patterns Foundation
Abstract This paper introduces the collection assembled by geologist and anthropologist O.W. (“Bud”) Hampton (1928-2017) among the Dani of the Baliem Valley in western New Guinea, recently donated…
Reposted from an external publication; see the source note in the article.
![Beginnings of Friendship: Revisiting the Smithsonian Collections from Commodore Matthew Perry’s Japan Expedition, 1853-1854 [ArcGIS Story map]](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjU5NiIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDEwMjQgNTk2Ij48cmVjdCB3aWR0aD0iMTAwJSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxMDAlIiBzdHlsZT0iZmlsbDojY2ZkNGRiO2ZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eTogMC4xOyIvPjwvc3ZnPg==)
Beginnings of Friendship: Revisiting the Smithsonian Collections from Commodore Matthew Perry’s Japan Expedition, 1853-1854 [ArcGIS Story map]
Abstract “Beginnings of Friendship: Revisiting the Smithsonian Collections from Commodore Matthew Perry’s Japan Expedition, 1853-1854 [ArcGIS Story map]” is an ArcGIS Story map written and published in 2023,…
Reposted. Smithsonian Institution story map.
Interview with Ambassador Robert Cekuta
His last assignment in the U.S. Foreign Service was to serve as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Energy Resources of the Department of State. There…
Interview conducted by CDDF, June 2025.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Developing Countries
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Developing Countries Source: Brookings Institution Summary: This article discusses the necessity of providing more than just financial capital and business skills to female entrepreneurs.…
![Beginnings of Friendship: Revisiting the Smithsonian Collections from Commodore Matthew Perry’s Japan Expedition, 1853-1854 [ArcGIS Story map]](https://culturaldiplomacyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_0764-1024x596-1.webp?v=1791586660)
Conversations
Interviews
Conversation with Dr. Paul Michael Taylor
Conversation with Dr. Paul Michael Taylor, Curator, Researcher, and Program Director · Smithsonian Institution When we think of “cultural preservation,” we’re often talking about the preservation of historic…
Interview conducted by CDDF, July 2025.
Interview with Ambassador Robert Cekuta
His last assignment in the U.S. Foreign Service was to serve as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Energy Resources of the Department of State. There…
Interview conducted by CDDF, June 2025.
Announcements
Publications and press releases
Cultural Diplomacy and Development Foundation Signs Memorandum of Understanding with the Universal Peace Federation to Advance Global Peace and Cultural Diplomacy
June 20, 2026 Washington, D.C., June 20, 2026 — The Cultural Diplomacy and Development Foundation (CDDF) is proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)…
Cultural Diplomacy and Development Foundation (CDDF) and American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC) Sign MoU to Advance Peacebuilding and Intercultural Cooperation
Washington, D.C. — June 1, 2026 — The Cultural Diplomacy and Development Foundation (CDDF) proudly announces the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the American Muslim…
Displaced International and Cultural Diplomacy and Development Foundation Sign Partnership MOU
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ambassador Ashraf Haidari, Founder and President of Displaced International (DI), and Leyla Mammadli, Co-founder and CEO of the Cultural Diplomacy and Development Foundation (CDDF), have…
Leyla Mammadli Honored with the Peace Ambassador Award for Her Commitment to Cultural Diplomacy
I am deeply honored to receive the Peace Ambassador Award. Yet this recognition is not merely a moment of pride—it is a reminder of responsibility. Peace is not…
Kelaghayi: Azerbaijan Showcases the Silk Soul of Its Heritage in Washington
Washington, D.C. – The American University Katzen Arts Center hosted “The Silk Soul of Azerbaijan” on October 16, an exhibition dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the restoration of…
Interview with Ambassador Robert Cekuta
His last assignment in the U.S. Foreign Service was to serve as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Energy Resources of the Department of State. There…
Interview conducted by CDDF, June 2025.
Event: Ancient Silk Road Culture and Today’s Global Achievements
We invite you to a distinguished cultural event celebrating the enduring legacy of the Ancient Silk Road and its influence on today’s interconnected world. This gathering will bring…
Cultural Diplomacy Between India And Central Asia: Navigating Complex Challenges In A Changing World – Analysis
Cultural diplomacy serves as a vital instrument in fostering international relations and strengthening the ties between nations. In the context of India and Central Asia, the exchange of…
