Dr. Mosi Dorbayani sees today’s world as one undergoing a significant shift—particularly in how nations interact. In a recent interview, he noted that there’s a growing preference for informal negotiations over traditional multilateral treaties, suggesting a move toward more flexible, interest-based diplomacy. [1]
He’s also deeply concerned about global crises and humanity’s future. As an executive adviser and economist, he’s spoken about the urgent need for cultural diplomacy and international cooperation to address pressing issues like inequality, conflict, and environmental degradation.[2]
Dr. Dorbayani’s perspective is shaped by his diverse background—as a jurist, cultural diplomat, Social Neuroscientist and human rights advocate. He emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural diversity and using international law to protect it in an increasingly globalized world. [3]
The implications of his views on diplomacy:
Dr. Mosi Dorbayani’s views on diplomacy suggest a shift toward more agile, culturally grounded, and people-centered international relations. By emphasizing ‘informal negotiations’ over rigid multilateral treaties, he implies that diplomacy is becoming more pragmatic—driven by mutual interests rather than formal alliances. [4]
One major implication is the growing role of cultural diplomacy as a tool for building trust and understanding across borders. Dr. Dorbayani argues that diplomacy isn’t just about statecraft—it’s also about fostering tolerance, inclusion, and dialogue through shared cultural experiences. This opens the door for artists, educators, and even everyday citizens to act as informal ambassadors. [5]
His perspective also challenges traditional power dynamics. By valuing grassroots engagement and intercultural dialogue, he promotes a more democratic and humanistic approach to global problem-solving.
How his approach influenced recent international collaborations:
Dr. Mosi Dorbayani’s approach—centering cultural diplomacy and informal negotiation—has quietly but meaningfully shaped several international collaborations, especially in the arts, education, and human rights sectors.
One standout example is his work through the World Academy of Arts, Literature and Media (WAALM), which he helped establish to promote intercultural dialogue and support creative industries globally. WAALM has facilitated cross-border partnerships by recognizing artists and cultural figures as informal ambassadors, helping to bridge divides where formal diplomacy often stalls.
His emphasis on “dialogue through exchange of ideas and creations” has also influenced how some UN-affiliated organizations engage with communities. As a goodwill ambassador, Dr. Dorbayani has advocated for using cultural platforms to ease political tensions and foster socio-economic collaboration.[6]
Rather than relying solely on state actors, his model encourages collaboration among NGOs, academic institutions, and civil society—broadening the diplomatic playing field. It’s a subtle but powerful shift: diplomacy not just by diplomats, but by creators, storytellers, educators, and changemakers.
How his approach differs from traditional diplomacy:
Dr. Mosi Dorbayani’s approach to diplomacy diverges from traditional models in both form and philosophy.
Traditional diplomacy is typically state-centric, formal, and hierarchical. It involves official representatives—like ambassadors or foreign ministers—negotiating treaties, attending summits, and engaging in structured dialogue between governments. It’s often slow-moving, protocol-heavy, and focused on national interests through official channels.
In contrast, the JOISS Research award winning distinguished scholar, Dr. Dorbayani’s model of cultural diplomacy is more fluid, inclusive, and people-powered. He defines it as “the art of initiating dialogue through exchange of ideas and creations to ease political tensions and foster socio-economic collaboration”. Rather than relying solely on governments, his approach empowers artists, educators, and civil society to act as informal diplomats—building bridges through music, literature, and shared cultural experiences.
He also emphasizes that Cultural Diplomacy doesn’t always need to be with “capital C, capital D” – grand or institutional. Sometimes it’s as simple as a song that raises awareness or a festival that brings communities together. This “small c, small d” diplomacy, as he puts it, can be just as impactful in promoting peace and understanding. [7]
It’s diplomacy with a human face—less about power, more about connection.
How can this model help in current global conflicts:
Dr. Dorbayani’s model of cultural diplomacy offers a refreshing and human-centered way to approach today’s global conflicts—especially those where traditional diplomacy has stalled or become too politicized. This model empowers non-state actors—NGOs, artists, educators, and even youth groups—to become agents of peace. In conflict zones, these grassroots efforts can help rebuild trust, preserve cultural identity, and promote healing. It’s especially effective in post-conflict recovery, where rebuilding social cohesion is just as important as political agreements.
Dr. Dorbayani’s work with WAALM and his advocacy for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Education show how this model can be scaled globally—offering a complementary path to peace alongside traditional diplomacy. [8]
One region where Dr. Dorbayani’s model of cultural diplomacy could be especially impactful is the Middle East—particularly in areas where political tensions have long overshadowed cultural commonalities.
For example, through WAALM, he has supported initiatives that bring together artists and writers from countries with strained diplomatic ties, such as Iran and Israel, or Turkey and Armenia. These collaborations often take the form of joint exhibitions, poetry anthologies, or music projects that highlight shared heritage and human stories—creating emotional resonance that transcends politics.
In post-conflict zones like parts of the Balkans, his model has also inspired educational programs that use storytelling and cultural exchange to rebuild trust among youth from different ethnic backgrounds. These efforts don’t replace formal peace processes, but they soften the ground—making reconciliation more possible by restoring empathy and mutual recognition.
Dr. Dorbayani’s belief is that when people see each other not as enemies but as fellow creators, the path to peace becomes more accessible. It was also through this approach when he could raise Social Awareness and Aid for Red Cross and UNICEF assisting those affected in Ukraine. His collaborative International Artists joined MOC Radio Florida in 2022 to aid Red Cross and UNICEF to assist those affected by war in Ukraine. [9]
Speaking of war, let’s take the Israel–Palestine conflict as a case study. While traditional diplomacy often gets bogged down in political impasses, Dr. Dorbayani’s model of cultural diplomacy offers a parallel track—one that focuses on human connection rather than political alignment. Though he hasn’t led a specific initiative in that region (at least publicly), his framework could be applied in powerful ways. For example, joint creative, artistic projects—like storytelling festivals—could bring together Israeli and Palestinian youth to share personal narratives. These shared experiences can humanize “the other side,” fostering empathy where mistrust has long prevailed. This in turn has immense psychological healing power too, and cannot be ignored especially post-conflict.
Dr. Dorbayani’s belief in “small c, small d” diplomacy—grassroots efforts that raise tolerance and understanding—could also support NGOs, creative industries and educators working in the region. By promoting cultural literacy and mutual respect through creative expression, his model helps lay the emotional groundwork for peace, even when political solutions remain elusive.
References:
- com Dr. Mosi Dorbayani views on world today – Search
- Washinton Mail Global Issues: Humanity at Risk | The Washington Mail
- JOISS Research International Law and the Protection of Cultural Diversity – JOISS Research
- com Dr. Mosi Dorbayani implications of diplomacy views – Search
- com Cultural Diplomacy | A Coss-disciplinary View
- The Ritz Herald Mosi Dorbayani: Re-Defining Cultural Diplomacy – The Ritz Herald
- Elucid Magazine MOSI DORBAYANI AND CULTURAL DIPLOMACY
- University Canada West S. Mosi Dorbayani | University Canada West (UCW)
- Artists for Humanity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLdqT9Wa9tM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9fkWRxfViA
