Paper short abstract:

The very recently established Franco-German Cultural Institute in Kyrgyzstan is one of few integrated institutes in the world and is unique in the sphere of cultural diplomacy. What are its possible developments and its potential in a highly competitive environment in terms of soft power?

Paper long abstract:

The Franco-German Cultural Institute located in Bishkek is one of four integrated cultural institutes in the world. This unique kind of institute in the sphere of cultural diplomacy was initiated by the Aachen treaty of 22 January 2019, an agreement between the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic (art. 9). The idea behind the integrated cultural institutes is not only to establish a 'shared house' with the French Institute and the Goethe Institute, but also to establish a common cultural program, to share its financial costs, and lead the Franco-German institute alternatively.

The very recently established institute in Bishkek leads us to inevitable questions about its possible internal development and its potential in Kyrgyzstan. In a highly competitive environment with American, Chinese, Russian, and, to some extend, Turkish soft powers, what visibility and effectiveness will have the Franco-German Cultural Institute?

The aim of my newly started research is to understand the dynamics of the cultural scene in Bishkek viz. Kyrgyzstan. I want to know the influence that the French and German cultural institutions already have on this scene. Furthermore, it is also necessary to compare their influence with the American, Chinese, Russian and Turkish ones. My task will finally consist in giving some recommendations for the future development of the Franco-German Cultural Institute.