In the global contest between Democracies and Autocracies, Culture has emerged as a pivotal battleground. While military might and diplomatic manoeuvring dominate headlines, the shaping of narratives and ideologies through cultural channels plays a crucial role in maintaining power. Recent developments in countries, like China, Cuba, Iran and Hungary, underscore the authoritarian impulse to control cultural expression as a means of preserving political control.

In 2020, China imposed a sweeping National Security Law on Hong Kong, signalling a crackdown on dissent and tightening controls over cultural institutions. The law’s prohibitions on secession and subversion were accompanied by directives to museums and art institutions, warning them to toe the line between artistic expression and perceived threats to national security. Similarly, autocratic regimes, like Cuba and Iran, have used imprisonment and censorship to silence dissenting voices within the artistic community. In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orban has pursued policies aimed at promoting a nationalist agenda, including the whitewashing of the country’s wartime history and exerting control over arts institutions.

However, culture also serves as a potent tool for resistance against authoritarianism. Artists, writers and activists have often been at the forefront of dissent, challenging state-sanctioned narratives and advocating for change. Even in repressive environments where political opposition is suppressed, cultural expressions, such as music, poetry and literature, provide avenues for dissent and mobilisation.

Recent examples illustrate the Power of Culture in challenging authoritarian regimes. In Poland, the release of the film Green Border, despite government attempts to suppress it, contributed to the defeat of the ruling Law and Justice Party in the 2023 elections. Similarly, in Brazil, cultural figures played a significant role in opposing former President Jair Bolsonaro‘s regime, with films and literature sparking public dissent and mobilisation.

In Ukraine, culture has become a symbol of resilience in the face of Russian aggression. Writers, artists and musicians have united to promote Ukrainian identity and garner international support for their cause. These cultural efforts serve as a testament to the strength of a nation facing adversity and highlight the role of culture in shaping national identity and solidarity.

To counter authoritarian influence, democracies must support cultural creators within their own countries and abroad. This involves providing resources for artistic expression, facilitating international exposure, and safeguarding artistic freedom. By empowering cultural figures, democracies can amplify voices of dissent and promote democratic values on a global scale.

However, it is essential to recognise that support for culture should not entail imposing Western-centric ideals or propaganda. Instead, it should aim to celebrate and elevate authentic creative voices, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives can thrive. This approach ensures that culture remains a force for freedom and democracy, rather than a tool for manipulation.

Culture plays a critical role in the battle between democracies and autocracies, shaping narratives and ideologies that influence societies worldwide. By supporting cultural creators and promoting artistic freedom, democracies can harness the Power of Culture to resist authoritarianism and uphold democratic values. As authoritarian regimes seek to tighten their grip on power, the defence of cultural freedom becomes increasingly vital in the struggle for Democracy and Human Rights.

Talk Diplomacy published this article on March 17, 2024.

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Published by Koushik Das

Koushik Das (born on May 16, 1976 in Kolkata) is a career journalist. Based in the Indian capital of New Delhi, Koushik writes mainly about foreign policies and current geopolitical issues, and rarely about other topics. His own political ideas are highly influenced by Antonio Gramsci, Louis Althusser, Michel Foucault, Michael Oakeshott and others. English philosopher and political theorist Oakeshott (Dec 11, 1901-Dec 19, 1990) says that “in political activity, men sail a boundless and bottomless sea. There is neither harbour for shelter nor floor for anchorage, neither starting-place, nor appointed destination. But we have to keep afloat”. (Rationalism in Politics, 1962) As a student of Political Science, Koushik loves to share his views on issues, which have great impacts on his thought process (and also on India, South Asia and of course on the global community), with his readers through his website – Boundless Ocean of Politics. By doing so, he tries to keep himself afloat. You will find some of his articles in https://inserbia.info/today/ (https://inserbia.info/today/author/kou_das13_i/), as he has been trying to assess the global geopolitics since 2003. You can also mail him at kousdas@gmail.com View all posts by Koushik Das