Malcolm Rivera
Diplomacy is the main instrument of foreign policy, which represents the broader goals and strategies that guide a state's interactions with the rest of the world. It is the established method of influencing the decisions and behaviour of foreign governments and peoples through dialogue, negotiation, and other measures short of war or violence. One form of diplomacy that is often forgotten is the long-standing tradition of state officials exchanging gifts. These gifts are meant to welcome, honour and cultivate beneficial diplomatic relationships and can develop into long-lasting symbols of unity. An example of this is the Statue of Liberty, which was gifted from France to the United States in 1886 and now stands as a symbol of friendship and a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. This exchange of statues can be considered a form of statue diplomacy, which can also be seen in the video game CivVI, where building the Statue of Liberty grants the player diplomatic victory points. Another example of statue diplomacy is the Idrimi Statue Inscription, which is perhaps the earliest complete biography of a political figure, written on a statue of Idrimi sitting on a throne and detailing his political and military activities in the 15th century BCE northern Levant.
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What You'll Learn
The Statue of Liberty as a gift from France to the United States
Diplomacy is the communication by representatives of states, intergovernmental, or non-governmental institutions intended to influence events in the international system. One such diplomatic strategy is the gifting of statues. For example, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the U.S. gaining independence from Britain. The idea for the statue was proposed in 1865 by French historian and abolitionist Édouard de Laboulaye, and it was officially dedicated on October 28, 1886. The statue was designed by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who created a giant robed woman holding a torch. Bartholdi travelled to the United States in the early 1870s to raise funds for the statue's construction. The statue was constructed in France and then transported to the United States, where it was assembled on Bedloe's Island in New York. The Statue of Liberty has become an iconic monument and a symbol of freedom and democracy.
The Statue of Liberty is also significant in the world of gaming. In the video game "Civilization VI," building the Statue of Liberty grants players two diplomatic victory points. Leaving the statue one turn away from completion until the player reaches 16 points can help bypass the challenge of the AI voting against the player once they reach a certain number of points.
In recent years, there have been calls for the United States to return the Statue of Liberty to France. In March 2025, French politician Raphaël Glucksmann suggested that the statue should be returned, sparking a war of words between the two nations. However, the suggestion was not meant to be taken literally, and the White House press secretary quickly dismissed the idea, stating that the United States had played a crucial role in liberating France during World War II.
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The role of symbolism in statue diplomacy
Diplomacy is the communication by representatives of states, intergovernmental, or non-governmental institutions intended to influence events in the international system. One of the oldest forms of diplomacy is the exchange of gifts between heads of state. These gifts are meant to "welcome, honour, and cultivate beneficial diplomatic relationships" and often emphasise the workmanship of local businesses, historical craftsmanship, or local luxuries and materials.
The Statue of Liberty is another example of statue diplomacy. Gifted from France to the United States in 1886, it stands as a symbol of friendship and a "universal symbol of freedom and democracy." These diplomatic gifts offer a lasting, positive image of allyship and can capture "the essence of a nation" by promoting domestic brands and cultural craftsmanship at the highest levels of government and public relations.
Through the exchange of statues, nations can convey complex messages and foster mutual understanding. Statues, as physical objects, can transcend linguistic and cultural barriers, serving as enduring reminders of the values and aspirations that unite or divide nations. They can also embody the identity and heritage of a nation, fostering a sense of shared history and purpose.
In conclusion, symbolism plays a crucial role in statue diplomacy by providing a tangible representation of abstract concepts such as freedom, democracy, and friendship. Statues, as diplomatic gifts, can serve as powerful symbols of unity and shared values between nations, contributing to the peaceful adjustment of differences and the pursuit of mutual prosperity.
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The Idrimi Statue Inscription as a biography of a political figure
The Idrimi Statue Inscription is perhaps the earliest complete biography of a political figure discovered to date. The statue, discovered by British archaeologist Sir Leonard Woolley in 1939, depicts King Idrimi sitting on a throne and is inscribed with a chronological abridgment of his political and military exploits in the 15th century BCE in the northern Levant. The text, written in Akkadian using cuneiform script, covers Idrimi's youth, his rise to power, and his activities while in power, including his rule over Alalakh for 30 years. It also mentions his death implicitly.
The inscription begins with Idrimi introducing himself as the son of Ilim-Ilimma and a servant of several deities, including Teshub and Ḫepat. It then narrates how, due to a dispute, he and his family were forced to flee from Yamhad (Aleppo) to Emar (now Meskene) on the river Euphrates, where his mother's family ruled. Determined to restore his dynasty's fortunes, Idrimi left Emar and travelled to Canaan, where he lived among Hapiru warriors for seven years. During this time, he rallied troops and formed alliances, demonstrating his strategic skills in pursuit of power.
Subsequently, Idrimi made a treaty with the king of Umman-Manda and launched a seaborne expedition to reclaim territory from the Hittites. Through his efforts and alliances, Idrimi successfully recovered lost lands and became a vassal of King Barattarna. In recognition of his achievements, King Barattarna appointed him as king of Alalakh, where he ruled for three decades.
The statue inscription also provides valuable insights into the political and military strategies of the time. It addresses themes such as alliance-building, power dynamics, and statecraft, making it a valuable resource for understanding pre-classical political thought and practices. Idrimi's biography is unique in that it offers a complete narrative from a single source, in contrast to the scattered information about earlier political figures.
The statue ends with a curse, invoking the gods to punish anyone who desecrates or destroys it. This section also includes a blessing for the scribe Sharruwa, who composed and inscribed the text, wishing him a long life and protection from the gods.
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The use of statues as a form of welcome in diplomacy
The exchange of gifts between heads of state is a long-standing tradition in diplomacy, with the purpose of "welcoming, honouring, and cultivating beneficial diplomatic relationships". These gifts often emphasise the workmanship of local businesses, historical craftsmanship, or local luxuries and materials. They can capture "the essence of a nation" by promoting domestic brands and cultural craftsmanship at the highest levels of government and public relations.
One of the most famous examples of statue diplomacy is the Statue of Liberty, which was a gift from France to the United States in 1886. It stands as a symbol of friendship between the two countries and a "universal symbol of freedom and democracy". The Statue of Liberty is an iconic image in the American national narrative and has tremendous symbolic value.
Another example of statue diplomacy is the Idrimi Statue Inscription, which is the earliest known complete biography of a political figure. The inscription, written on a statue of Idrimi sitting on a throne, is a chronological abridgement of King Idrimi's political and military activities in 15th century northern Levant (BCE). It provides a complete political story of a known leader, composed by his political and familial associates in their own words. The Idrimi statue is an example of how statues can be used as a form of welcome in diplomacy, as it chronicles the leader's rise to power and his activities while in power.
In addition to statues, there are other forms of gift-giving in diplomacy, such as engraved stone vessels, which were exchanged between ancient Egypt and their Hittite neighbours, and pandas, which were given by China to the United States in 1972. These gifts can have a lasting, positive impact on international relations and symbolise unity between nations.
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The impact of statues on the public perception of diplomacy
Statues are more than just physical structures; they are embodiments of human history, art, and thought. They are symbolic representations of a community's customs, religious beliefs, and social structures, aiding in the preservation of unique identities in a globalized world. The erection, maintenance, or removal of statues can spark significant social and political debates, reflecting evolving societal norms and challenging historical perceptions.
Statues are physical embodiments of historical narratives, offering tangible connections to different epochs. They bring to life the stories, beliefs, and aesthetics of ancient civilizations, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our collective past. As such, statues can have a profound impact on public perception. They serve as educational resources, providing direct engagement with historical, artistic, and political subjects. Statues can also become iconic landmarks, drawing visitors and fostering cultural tourism, which significantly contributes to local economies.
However, statues can also be controversial and divisive. They are often created within a specific political structure and embedded with social and cultural codes about which historical narratives are valued, erased, or repressed. For example, Confederate monuments in the United States have been criticized for their connection to white supremacy and the Jim Crow era, with some arguing that they should be removed or placed in a separate context to be properly understood.
The impact of statues on public perception can be complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, statues can inspire feelings of admiration and foster cultural pride. On the other hand, they can cause harm or disrespect, particularly for marginalized communities, by perpetuating oppressive ideologies or glorifying controversial figures. The presence or removal of statues can shape how people view their communities, countries, and governments, influencing their perceptions of diplomacy and international relations.
Overall, statues play a significant role in shaping public perception by reflecting and influencing societal values, norms, and beliefs. They serve as powerful symbols that can unite or divide communities, prompting important discussions about history, memory, and representation.
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Frequently asked questions
Statue diplomacy is a type of diplomacy that involves the gifting of statues between nations. This type of diplomacy can be traced back to ancient times, with the practice of exchanging gifts being a long-standing tradition in international relations.
Yes, one well-known example is the Statue of Liberty, which was gifted from France to the United States in 1886. It stands as a symbol of friendship and a universal symbol of freedom and democracy.
Diplomacy is the main instrument of foreign policy, which involves influencing and shaping a state's interactions with other nations. Diplomacy is conducted by representatives of states, intergovernmental, or non-governmental institutions through dialogue, negotiation, and other peaceful means.
Besides the exchange of gifts, diplomacy can also take the form of diplomatic correspondence, treaties, royal marriages, exchange of court officials, and more. Modern diplomatic methods often involve accredited officials, such as envoys and ambassadors, operating through diplomatic missions like consulates and embassies.
Yes, the Idrimi Statue Inscription is another example. It is a statue of King Idrimi sitting on a throne, with an inscription detailing his political and military activities in the 15th century BCE northern Levant. This statue serves as a biography of a political figure and offers insights into ancient political and military strategy.
