Culture and Global Engagement in the Coming Decade

What opportunities can culture create for deeper U.S. engagement with the world, and where can it have the greatest impact in the decade ahead?

By Deborah Lehr

August 19, 2026

Culture has a unique ability to build trust, foster understanding, and create connections where politics often cannot.

As America looks ahead following its 250th anniversary, we have an opportunity to redefine what leadership looks like in the 21st century. Our greatest ambassadors are not only our diplomats—they are our artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, scientists, universities, and cultural institutions. Culture has a unique ability to build trust, foster understanding, and create connections where politics often cannot. In an increasingly divided world, it remains one of America's most enduring sources of influence and one of our greatest opportunities to deepen engagement with the world.

Deborah Lehr

Basilinna Chair and CEO

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Insights from this series featuring Basilinna’s experts on Culture

Published by Basilinna Institute. All rights reserved.

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