Swinging Diplomacy: The role of Jazz in U.S.-Japan relations

Abstract

While in in recent years, there has been put more interest towards the role of culture in International Relations, still the majority of studies focus solely on Cultural Diplomacy as either a tool of propaganda during Cold War foreign policy, or as a way in order to create peace and mutual understanding. There is yet, however, no consent among scholars in regard to the definition and function of Cultural Diplomacy. In particular, the field of music diplomacy, thought its undeniable presence in the history of International Relations, has yet received little attention. In this regard the aim of the thesis is to give a more accurate picture of the power and role of both Cultural Diplomacy and Music Diplomacy in International Relations, by looking into detail to one of the most dynamic bilateral relationships in International Relation's history, namely the U.S.-Japan relations and the role of Jazz during the occupational period.