In international relations today, power is measured on the basis of the global influence of culture and tradition. Cultural influence has become just as important as protecting state territory through armed forces. According to Joseph Nye’s understanding of soft power, it is the ability of a country to shape preferences and build goodwill through attraction rather than coercion. For Ireland, a small democratic republic, soft power has become a central way to raise its profile globally. Through music, mythology, and literature, Ireland has created a cultural presence that carries diplomatic weight in regions as far away as India and Indonesia.
Ireland understood the power of soft power right after gaining independence from colonisation, and its first tool was the indentured labourers who were forced to migrate to other colonial states. The Irish realised that, being a small country, their people are their power, and to have global influence—or to seek bilateral relations to safeguard their territory from bigger powers—they had to build relationships, which was possible through soft power. The world today knows Irish people by their cultural heritage, literature, and narrations from their movies.
Soft power matters more in the present global scenario than ever before because we now live in an era of digital connectivity where information flows through stories and music. Hence, the ideas of a nation can travel faster than traditional diplomacy. For Ireland, this is an opportunity. While it does not have the hard power of larger states, it has something equally valuable: a deep cultural legacy that continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
The Irish Literary Revival of the early twentieth century, led by W. B. Yeats, shaped Irish identity and gave the world a fresh way of looking at poetry and myth. James Joyce, with works like Ulysses and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, revolutionised modernist literature. In drama, figures like George Bernard Shaw and J. M. Synge influenced global theatre. In more recent years, Seamus Heaney and Eavan Boland have ensured that Irish poetry speaks not only to local audiences but also to international debates on history, nature, and gender.
This cultural depth is Ireland’s most valuable diplomatic asset. It shapes how the country is viewed abroad via its creative, democratic, and universally human themes.
Ireland’s soft power reach is evident in India, where its literature, music, and performances are increasingly visible. Streaming platforms like Netflix have played an important role. Adaptations such as Normal People, based on Sally Rooney’s novel, or the popular series Derry Girls, have found an audience in India. They portray Irish identity with humour, emotional depth, and historical awareness—qualities that resonate across cultures.
The influence also extends to education beyond borders. Many Indian students who pursue higher studies in Ireland encounter Irish cultural traditions first-hand. Universities and cultural exchange programs often include exposure to Irish literature, folklore, and performing arts. This academic and cultural experience strengthens India-Ireland people-to-people ties.
India has always seen Ireland as a friend, considering that both states understand the past trauma of colonisation. In political outlook, they both value democracy, and both are drawn to their cultural roots, valuing heritage and history deeply. Ireland’s mythology is a central part of its cultural diplomacy. Celtic myths and folklore, long embedded in literature and poetry, resonate strongly in societies that value storytelling. In both India and Indonesia, mythological traditions hold deep social and cultural significance. The Ramayana and Mahabharata in India or the Wayangkulit shadow puppet theatre in Indonesia are examples of how stories define national identity. When Irish myths are shared internationally, they connect easily with these traditions, creating a common ground for cultural dialogue.
Music is another powerful bridge. Traditional Irish music, carried by instruments like the fiddle, bodhrán, and tin whistle, has universal appeal. It emphasises rhythm, community, and emotional expression, which makes it easy to connect with other cultures. The global success of Riverdance showed how Irish traditions could be adapted into a modern performance appealing to audiences across continents. In India and Indonesia, where music and dance are also deeply tied to cultural heritage, such performances create empathy and admiration for Ireland.
By presenting its mythology and music abroad, Ireland is showcasing its culture and creating shared spaces where cultural understanding supports diplomatic goodwill.
Ireland’s use of cultural diplomacy has a long history. In 1919, as the country sought independence, there were proposals to “mobilise the poets” to shape international opinion. By 1949, the Cultural Relations Committee was established to formally promote Irish culture abroad. This recognition that art and literature could serve as diplomatic tools set the tone for later policies.
Today, Ireland has expanded this approach. The Global Ireland 2025 strategy aims to double the country’s global cultural footprint. Irish embassies regularly host cultural events, while partnerships with diaspora communities keep Ireland’s identity visible. The government has also worked to move beyond stereotypes of shamrocks and leprechauns, focusing instead on authentic and contemporary expressions of culture. This balance of tradition and modern creativity has allowed Ireland to remain relevant to global audiences.
Ireland has demonstrated that music, mythology, and literature can serve as more than cultural expressions—they are tools of diplomacy that open doors, build bridges, and create lasting impressions. From Yeats and Joyce to Riverdance and Sally Rooney, Irish creativity has given the country a respected global voice.
In a world where cultural influence increasingly shapes international relations, Ireland’s example shows how even a small nation can achieve global recognition by valuing and promoting its cultural heritage. Through a thoughtful approach to storytelling, music, and literature, culture can become one of the strongest diplomatic resources available.
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