PhD defence

Public Diplomacy as a Contributing Factor to Solving Identity-based Conflict

• Y. Lin

Date

Tuesday 2 December 2025

Time

11:30 - 12:30 hour

Address

Academy Building
Rapenburg 73
2311 GJ Leiden

Supervisor(s)

• Prof.dr. M.O. Hosli

Summary

This research explores how public diplomacy can help ease identity-based conflicts by building understanding and trust across transnational societies. Focusing on Taiwan, it examines how educational and cultural exchange, media communication, and international cooperation have shaped the island’s relations with other countries in Southeast Asia.

Through document analysis and interviews, the study finds that Taiwan’s public diplomacy does more than promote its image abroad — it also strengthens democratic confidence and social resilience at home. During times of tension or crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, these efforts have contributed to both domestic and regional stability.

The findings are socially relevant because they show that diplomacy is not only conducted by governments but also by citizens, educators, and professionals. They offer a new perspective on how diplomatically constrained states can foster peace, dialogue, and cooperation in a continuously changing geopolitical context.

PhD dissertations

Approximately one week after the defence, PhD dissertations by Leiden PhD students are available digitally through the Leiden Repository, that offers free access to these PhD dissertations. Please note that in some cases a dissertation may be under embargo temporarily and access to its full-text version will only be granted later.

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