Wielding Soft Power: The Case of the British Council and Palestinians

Abstract

This thesis examines the role and impact of the British Council in shaping Palestinian perceptions of the United Kingdom, positioning the Council as a case study through which to assess the potential and limitations of soft power in politically sensitive environments. It begins by situating the British Council within the broader landscape of British foreign policy, tracing its historical development and institutional evolution as a key agent of the UK’s cultural diplomacy. The conceptual framework then explores the shift from traditional, coercive power- centred on military and economic dominance- to strategies grounded in attraction, persuasion, and normative appeal. Through a critical engagement with the concepts of public diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, and cultural relations, the study situates the British Council within an increasingly interconnected global order, where states and institutions seek to influence perceptions and shape international relationships through non-coercive means.

This study adopts a single case study methodology, drawing on in-depth interviews, archival research, and participant observation to investigate the British Council’s engagement with Palestinian audiences. The findings are presented through thematic analysis, which juxtaposes the perspectives of British Council officials and staff with those of Palestinian participants. The research demonstrates that the Council functions as an instrument of public diplomacy, actively promoting British culture and the English language while also contributing- albeit indirectly- to national security, defence narratives, and economic interests. These activities align with the broader objectives of UK foreign policy. Simultaneously, the study examines how Palestinian participants interpret and engage with the Council’s initiatives, often navigating a duality, critical awareness of British foreign policy, particularly in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, is held alongside recognition of the tangible educational and cultural opportunities the Council provides. The thesis concludes by identifying the mechanisms through which the Council cultivates presence and authority beyond the delivery of its programmes. These include the employment of local staff, the negotiation of historical legacies, and the forging of partnerships with community-based institutions- all of which enable the Council to embed itself within the socio-political fabric of a contested and politically sensitive landscape.

This thesis contributes to the academic discourse on soft power by examining the intersection of culture and influence within the broader dynamics of international relations. While soft power is often presented as a benign, non-coercive alternative to hard power, this study reveals that it frequently operates within entrenched geopolitical hierarchies, wherein dominant states and institutions project influence over less powerful actors. In this context, cultural and educational initiatives- far from being neutral tools of mutual exchange- can function as mechanisms for advancing state interests and consolidating authority in politically contested spaces. However, the impact of soft power should not be understood as unidirectional or deterministic. Instead, such initiatives are subject to processes of interpretation, contestation, and rearticulation by local audiences. These audiences are not passive recipients but active agents capable of accepting, resisting, or redefining the original objectives of the sending actor.