In Good Faith #12 - Omar Salha: The Importance of Soft Power and Social Capital
Jul 17, 2025
Omar Salha, Founder of Ramadan Tent Project and PhD scholar, explores the vital roles of soft power and cultural diplomacy. He shares insights on integrating Muslims in British society, highlighting the importance of belonging and representation. Omar discusses the evolution of his organization into a structured festival fostering community understanding. He emphasizes grassroots initiatives, the celebration of Ramadan, and the challenges of fundraising, all while advocating for authentic engagement across diverse communities.
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Essence of Cultural Diplomacy
- Cultural diplomacy uses arts, sports, and culture as soft power to foster non-coercive influence and dialogue between communities.
- It bridges diverse groups through shared cultural experiences, promoting understanding beyond politics and economics.
Faith in Football Culture
- Muslim football players like Muhammad Salah publicly express faith, inspiring many children to imitate practices like the Sajda.
- Such expressions influence popular culture, including football video games incorporating these celebrations.
Soft Power Explained
- Soft power is non-coercive influence through culture, forming a spectrum from hard to soft power.
- Cultural diplomacy fosters dialogue and understanding by bringing different cultures together via festivals, arts, and sport.
