About this site

Beyond the Sword is a dynamic platform that reimagines public diplomacy as a powerful force rooted in narrative, identity, and cultural influence rather than limited to podiums and treaties. This series examines how nations, particularly but not exclusively Saudi Arabia, have historically and contemporarily used soft power through symbols, food, media, flags, and wartime messaging to shape global perceptions, build alliances, and assert their presence on the world stage.

What began as a deep dive into the evolution of Saudi public diplomacy has now expanded into a comparative, interdisciplinary exploration of how states communicate not just what they are, but who they are. Through curated sections such as “Plates for Peace” (culinary diplomacy), “Flags Beyond Borders” (symbolism of flags in global outreach), “Beyond the Battlefield” (strategic messaging in conflict and defense), “Currency of Influence” (economic diplomacy and capital as soft power), and the newly launched “Scented States” (how fragrance functions as cultural ritual and geopolitical signal), the platform investigates how influence travels through the quieter but more enduring routes of culture, faith, aesthetics, and perception.

By weaving historical context with current trends, from ancient emissaries and royal pageantry to digital diplomacy and soft power metrics, Beyond the Sword offers a multidimensional view of diplomacy that transcends formal negotiations. It spotlights how nations navigate an increasingly interconnected yet fragmented global order using tools of persuasion that resonate emotionally, culturally, and symbolically.

In a time when credibility is currency and narratives shape policy, Beyond the Sword positions itself as a vital archive and forward-looking lens that traces the lineage of public diplomacy while equipping policymakers, scholars, and diplomats with insights to engage meaningfully in the international arena.

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