Skip to main content

British Council

  • Home
  • Learn English
    • Learn English Online
    • English for adults
    • English for kids and teens
    • Corporate English Solutions
    • Websites for learners
    • Website for teachers
    • Study English in the UK
  • Exams
    • IELTS
    • English Exams
    • Global Exams Services
    • International School Qualifications
  • Study and work abroad
    • Study and train in the UK
    • Study and work outside the UK
    • Alumni UK
    • Coronavirus (Covid-19) – the response from our Study and Work Abroad programmes
  • School and teacher resources
    • Find classroom resources
    • Partner with a school
    • Support for language teaching
    • Learning Sectors
    • UK-Ukraine school partnerships
    • Employ a language assistant at your school, college or university
    • Get accreditation for your school
    • Develop your skills
    • International Education Week
    • Stories from the classroom
    • Schools Connect
    • COP climate negotiation simulation events
  • English, education and arts
    • Our work in arts
    • Our work in education
    • Our work in English and assessment
    • Our libraries
      • Guide to the Digital Library
      • Library events
    • Research and insight
    • Contact us
  • Show search
    Close search

Soft power

An image of the striking architecture of the British Council Library in New Delhi

Soft power and cultural relations in a time of crisis

How do leading countries soft power approaches differ and what seems to work best? This report examines the institutional landscape and global presence of different international bodies.

An image of colourful glass from the UK-Italy season in 2020

Being present: the role of culture in future UK-Italy bilateral priorities

As the UK embarks on a new chapter in its relationship with Italy, Rachel Launay Director Italy and Jill Morris British Ambassador to Italy and San Marino discuss future bilateral priorities

Three people operating a TV camera

An obtuse triangle: the nexus between digital skills, soft power and climate change mitigation in Georgia

Essay discussing climate change mitigation, soft power and digital skills in the context of Georgia.

Artist interpretation of hands in multiple colours against a colourful background

The power of experience and shared values

Our outgoing chief executive Sir Ciarán Devane reflects on the role of cultural relations in strengthening trust and co-operation in a changing world.

Ancient Chinese door in Suzhou, China

A new era: towards a soft power strategy for the UK in China

As it reconfigures its engagement with China, the UK has an opportunity to harness the soft power it enjoys with Chinese people. Matt Burney talks to China expert Rana Mitter.

Green rope meshwork symbolising the integration of power

The Integrated Review and the future of UK soft power

As the UK Government’s Integrated Review nears its conclusion, Insight explores how soft power can play a deciding role in the UK’s international smart power strategy.

Taxi and Bus in the heart of London

Influence and the Integrated Review

Policy brief: introduction to the 'Influence and the Integrated Review: Opportunities for Britain’s Global Vision' report by the Chairman of the British Council APPG.

United Nations COVID-19 Response cartoon of people from different countries all wearing face masks bearing national flags – representing how COVID-19 is a global problem

COVID-19 and soft power

Amidst an international public health crisis made more complicated by escalating great power rivalries we consider the implications of COVID-19 for the soft power of China, the USA and UK.

International students walk beside a giant radio telescope in animated conversation

Global demand for international higher education: reflecting on forecasts and tracking policies

International Higher Education contributes hugely to the UK’s economy and to its reputation abroad. Modelling the movements of future international students is an increasingly valuable art.

Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi, New South Wales, Australia.

The UK and Australia: Old friendships, new opportunities

The British Council’s Chief Executive in conversation with Australia’s High Commissioner to the UK on culture, trade and the future of the relationship between these two nations.

  • Previous
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • Next

British Council Worldwide

  • Afghanistan
  • Albania
  • Algeria
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahrain
  • Bangladesh
  • Belgium
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • Brunei
  • Bulgaria
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon
  • Canada
  • Caribbean
  • Chile
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Egypt
  • England
  • Estonia
  • Ethiopia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Georgia
  • Germany
  • Ghana
  • Greece
  • Hong Kong, SAR of China
  • Hungary
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Iraq
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya
  • Korea, Republic of
  • Kosovo
  • Kuwait
  • Laos
  • Latvia
  • Lebanon
  • Libya
  • Lithuania
  • Malawi
  • Malaysia
  • Malta
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Montenegro
  • Morocco
  • Mozambique
  • Myanmar (Burma)
  • Namibia
  • Nepal
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Nigeria
  • North Macedonia
  • Northern Ireland
  • Norway
  • Occupied Palestinian Territories
  • Oman
  • Pakistan
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Qatar
  • Romania
  • Rwanda
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Scotland
  • Senegal
  • Serbia
  • Sierra Leone
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • South Africa
  • South Sudan
  • Spain
  • Sri Lanka
  • Sudan
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Syria
  • Taiwan
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Tunisia
  • Turkey
  • Uganda
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United States of America
  • Uruguay
  • Uzbekistan
  • Venezuela
  • Vietnam
  • Wales
  • Yemen
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe
  • About us
    • How we work
    • How we are run
    • Our values
    • Our history
    • Our Patron
  • Work with us
    • Careers
    • Partner with us
    • Staff and alumni associations
    • Affiliate programme
  • Voices Magazine
    • Partnership stories
  • Contact us
    • Press office
    • Contact your local British Council office
    • Make a freedom of information request
    • Make a complaint
Connect with us
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • TikTok

  • Terms of use
  • Terms and conditions of sale
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy and cookies
  • Statement on modern slavery
  • Site map
© 2025 British Council

The United Kingdom's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland).