Abstract

A distinctive feature of contemporary international relations includes instruments’ complications of foreign policy powers. To achieve these objectives the international dialogue participants are increasingly turning to the possibilities of economy, diplomacy, culture, science and sport. Along with politics and economics, culture forms the classic triad of factors that determine the mechanisms of the various foreign countries, and is rightly regarded as an integral part of modern strategy of action in the international arena. Culture and cultural ties with the exceptional versatility that creates the conditions for engaging wider audience in international relations, ready to participate in solving the most complex and pressing problems of our impact on the global climate. It’s possible to talk about specific features such as the ability of Cultural Affairs as a platform for integration processes in the world or a particular region. Finally, the cultural ties have a unique feature to influence the formation of positive image of the country in world public opinion. This concept becomes the basis for the «soft power» theory developed by J. Nye. J. Nye considers «soft power» as opposed to «hard power», meaning the ability of the state to force, due to the military and economic power of the country. In contrast, «soft power» arises when a country draws its culture, political ideals, academic programs, academic exchange, has the ability to achieve what it desired basing on voluntary participation of allies, not by coercion. J. Nye considers cultural attractiveness of the country as the most important component of “soft power”. In resent years J. Nye also talks about the failure of using only “soft power” methods in the sphere of foreign affairs of the state. He considers that the best way is to combine instruments of “soft power” with economic methods of influence. This idea led to the appearance of the “smart power” concept. In this article, we examine the main instruments and ways of implementation of “smart power” policy of EU in Ukraine.