THE POWER OF MUSIC IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS FROM HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES

In international relations and cultural diplomacy, music has an important role in many interactions and contexts. It is recognised that music can be used effectively as a part of soft power to trigger people's emotional responses and build meaningful bonds, especially in diplomatic events and visits. This phenomenon has been observed in the historical process from past to present in terms of international relations. An example of this is that music was considered to be effective in bridging the gap between the Eastern Bloc and Western countries during the Cold War. The aim of this research is to investigate the use of music as soft power, the concepts of cultural diplomacy and musical diplomacy in detail, and to examine the role of music in historical and contemporary diplomatic strategies. In this context, it is concluded that music can be used as a diplomatic tool in international relations, it can help to strengthen cultural ties and increase mutual understanding, it has the potential to create bonds between different cultures and promote international cooperation by triggering people's intercultural interaction and expressing their identities. In line with the findings of the research, it is thought that it can help us better understand the role and impact of music in international relations and contribute to future diplomacy strategies by emphasising the importance of musical diplomacy in diplomatic relations.