How Music is Striking the Right Chords in the Diplomatic Realm 

By Aanchal Bagaria, MINT 1st Year

Pop culture isn’t just for the movie screens anymore. It’s a movement fueled by political motivation and actors. We’ve all experienced a moment of weakness, whether it is an attempt to purchase merchandise from our favorite artists or the temptation of traveling to another country to see them perform live. Over time, we see the lines between pop culture and governance getting blurry: economic decisions and policies are nowadays meted out by a team of writers ready to shape a narrative based on what is currently trending. Music is gearing up to be the real language of diplomacy and foreign power. When the world needs a “pick me up,”, all you need is a catchy tune to offset the tragedy.

Since the 1990s, we have seen the revival of soft power in diplomacy, which centers on resolving geopolitical issues through art, history, and mutual support. After 9/11, we saw the resurrection of music as a way to deal with the tragedy. Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American) and Neil Young’s “Let’s Roll” became songs of remembrance and made sure the heroes were not forgotten from the hearts of the masses. Artists came together to express their grief, solidarity, and resilience. Other songs like “We Shall Overcome” and “Blowin’ in the Wind” also became anthems during the Civil Rights Movement in the country. These are just a few examples where the transformative power of art bridged political divides and transcended borders. 

Former President Barack Obama used smart politics to stay relevant in American culture and media. Shifting from traditional speeches, he’s out here dropping mics and beats. His Spotify playlist wrap possibly created more buzz than his last speech at the White House. One could say this said more about his personality than a piece of paper ever could. It may seem like a rare analogy by political actors, but it surely works. Slow jamming with Jimmy Fallon to singing Let’s Stay Together by AI Green during a fundraiser speech at a theater, the man has done it all. 

Just last year, the US government announced the “Music Diplomacy Initiative,” a strategic move to harness the power of music to foster international relations and advance diplomatic goals. Sure, these initiatives boost cross-cultural and governance exchange, but only if adequate representation is given to the marginalized voices. 

Move over, traditional economy. The concert gig economy is here to stay. Music isn’t just background noise. It’s the beat that spices up politics and diplomacy. Jumping on this bandwagon is the Singapore PM’s decision to pay Taylor Swift $3 million per show on the condition she plays only in the country exclusively. Despite a controversial decision, this move saw 70% of the concertgoers flying from overseas and spending up to $370 million in the city-state. Between March 1 and 9, when Swift was in town, Singapore-inbound flights shot up by 186%, and accommodation bookings almost quintupled. Google searches for accommodation hit peaks every time new concerts were announced and tickets were released. This was a clever way to rebuild tourism after the pandemic. Am I fulfilling a patriotic duty for economic growth by dancing to “We were both young when I first saw you”?

Another relevant component of this collaboration is the reflection of a country based on the artist they endorse. By supporting artists that align with their political interests and values, countries have a strategic trump card. South Korea’s support of the chart-topping K-pop group BTS is another way of promoting soft power and cementing its position as a cultural spectacle. In India, the ban on Coke Studio, a musical series that featured collaborations between artists from India and Pakistan due to political conflicts, is an example of how cultural diffusions are restricted. But it is worth noting how the song Pasoori, sung by Pakistani singer Ali Sethi, became a viral sensation and was hailed as the epitome of folk fusion. The week that “Pasoori” hit No. 1 in India—just after Arooj Aftab became the first Pakistani singer to win a Grammy—two Indian teens were arrested in Bareilly, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, for listening to Pakistani music.

In a time where the entire world is growing polarized day by day, it is important to recognise and leverage the power that pop culture might hold. Is it such a bad idea for Rishi Sunak to reunite One Direction again for the sake of their economy? Maybe the secret to financial recovery is through boy band charm and stan Twitter nostalgia instead of rocking a pair of Adidas sambas.