THE ROLE OF MUSEUMS IN CULTURAL DIPLOMACY AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Museums today are no longer static repositories of cultural artifacts; they have evolved into active agents of cultural diplomacy and international dialogue. This article examines how museums contribute to fostering peaceful international relations by serving as bridges between nations through traveling exhibitions, institutional partnerships, cross-border collaborations, and educational initiatives. Drawing upon examples from globally significant museum institutions such as the British Museum, the Louvre, and the Smithsonian, as well as regional case studies, the article articulates how museums contribute to public diplomacy, mutual cultural understanding, and soft power. The study proposes that in an era of increasing geopolitical tension, museums play a vital role in reframing historical narratives, nurturing empathy between cultures, and building sustainable diplomatic relationships.