An essential first step would be to put much greater emphasis in school on cultural studies and intercultural communication. The learning of non-European languages should be encouraged. For some positions cultural and language skills should be required. In the nineteenth century, study of the civilisations of Greece and Rome was the foundation of a liberal education. In the twenty-first century the great living civilisations should receive comparable attention.
Most Western countries are already multi-cultural to some extent.
On a shrinking globe cross-cultural competence is not a favour we grant others but an indispensable asset we owe ourselves. Communication Obstacles in International Diplomacy. United States Institute of Peace Press. This document has been approved by the head of department or section. If you are an authorised user you may edit this document through your Web browser.