The presentation of Dr. Petros D. Kapsaskis’ book, entitled “The Art of Cultural Diplomacy”, was held with great success on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the Athens Concert Hall, in the packed Giannis Marinos Hall.

The event began with the foreword by Andreas Sideris, publisher and political scientist, who highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy as a tool for strengthening the country’s international position.

Presentations

• Costas Lavdas, Professor of European and Comparative Politics at Panteion University, emphasized the role of cultural diplomacy in European cooperation and the need for strategic planning to promote soft power.
• Stelios Fenekos, Vice Admiral and President of the Papanastasiou Foundation, highlighted the geopolitical dimensions of cultural diplomacy and its influence on security and stability issues.
• Eugenia Arseni, PhD in Aesthetic Philosophy, Director and Theater Theorist, spoke about cultural diplomacy through art and culture, underlining the power of aesthetics as a tool for dialogue between peoples.
• Lefteris Zafeiropoulos, chef and winner of Masterchef 2024, shared his experience from gastronomic diplomacy, highlighting how a country’s cuisine can function as a bridge between cultures. Dr. Petros Kapsaskis greets the world

Artistic Program

The evening was enriched with an excellent musical program that included:
• Musical Part A: With the participation of saxophonist Melina Paxinos and pianist Dimitris Verdinoglou.
• Musical Part B: With soprano Eleana Vasiou, pianist Georgia Anastasi, and violinist Nina Patrikidou.

The event concluded with the epilogue by the author, Dr. Petros Kapsaskis, who underlined the timeless value of cultural diplomacy and the necessity of its integration into modern policies. At the end, the author dedicated the remaining available time to sign all the books of those present and to get to know his young and old readers.

The event was co-organized by the Hellenic Institute of Cultural Diplomacy, I. Sideris Publications and the Athens Concert Hall, receiving warm applause from the audience. The event was attended by Journalist and member of the Union of European Journalists Clelia Charissis and the Vice President of the International Association of European Journalists Dr. Panagiotis Sfaelos.

Dr. Petros Kapsaskis greets the people

Publisher Andreas Sideris in his speech

Dr. Panagiotis Sfaelos with Dr. Petros Kapsaskis

Clelia Charissis and Panagiotis Sfaelos with Petros Kapsaskis’ mother Alexia Martzakli