Approaches to Studying the Phenomenon of Cultural Heritage and Its Impact on International Relations

Abstract

The article dwells on the theoretical understanding of key concepts underlying modern research in culture and international relations. In the context of escalating geopolitical contradictions and the growing importance of soft power, the issues of preserving cultural identity and facilitating intercultural dialogue are becoming particularly relevant. The paper aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of approaches to defining the essence and structure of cultural heritage as well as to investigate the phenomenon of international cultural cooperation as a tool for interaction on the global stage. The scientific significance of the research lies in the systematization of a wide range of theoretical perspectives – from philosophical and culturological to legal and politological – which allows us to present a holistic picture of the phenomena under study. The methodological framework is based on an analysis of scientific literature, a comparative legal method and elements of an interdisciplinary approach, which made it possible to synthesize the provisions of national and international documents and propositions of Russian and foreign researchers. The paper presents the authors’ definition of cultural heritage as a dynamic system of tangible and intangible values ensuring the connection between generations. A multicomponent structure of heritage, encompassing various typologies (by object composition, level of significance, functional use, etc.), was identified. The evolution of approaches to international cooperation was analysed in the context of the main theories of international relations (realism, Marxism, neoliberalism), and the types and forms of cultural interaction were systematized. The value of the article lies in the integration of two problem fields, creating a theoretical basis for further study into the role of cultural heritage as a resource for international cooperation. The conclusions and classifications presented can have practical significance for specialists in the fields of cultural policy, international relations, and cultural heritage preservation.