Image of teapot and cup and saucer
September 2019

Reading the tea leaves

Alison Baily looks at the rich and surprising history of the nation’s favourite beverage – and what it reveals about cultural contact and infusion.

  • Cultural relations
  • Soft power
  • United Kingdom
  • Insight article
Image of smiling female
August 2019

Knowledge diplomacy

Knowledge Diplomacy’ is increasingly appearing in debates about the role of education internationally. We look at why.

  • Education
  • Higher education
  • Cultural relations
  • Soft power
  • Trust and dialogue
  • United Kingdom
  • Insight article
Image of Hogwarts
August 2019

Harry Potter and the drivers of trust

Why Harry Potter is a leading emissary of British attractiveness and values, and his little-known link with the British Council.

  • Arts and culture
  • Literature
  • Economy and prosperity
  • Trust and dialogue
  • United Kingdom
  • Insight article
Image of London at the meridian
August 2019

The UK’s soft power challenge

The UK’s soft power pre-eminence is vital for its post-Brexit future, but increasingly being challenged. Insight looks at the latest evidence.

  • Soft power
  • Trust and dialogue
  • United Kingdom
  • Insight article
Image of some coloured pencils
July 2019

Exploring the value of the arts

Ian Thomas presents new evidence for the soft power impact for the UK of arts seasons and other forms of cultural engagement.

  • Arts and culture
  • Soft power
  • United Kingdom
  • Research report

Explore more of our work