Kapit-kultur: Evaluating the presence of Germany\u27s cultural and education pillar of foreign policy in Philippine-German bilateral relations

Germany has always been a dynamic actor on the international stage, as evidenced by its long history of relations of varying amiability with other states. Partly as a way to formally put its dark World War II history behind, Germany established the third pillar of its foreign policy—the Cultural and Education Policy, which serves as an instrument for creating a solid foundation for international relations and global trust in Germany through the promotion of their language, of intercultural dialogue, and German cultural institutions. This third pillar is implemented on the ground with the help of partner institutions like the Goethe-Institut and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in countries with an existing bilateral cultural agreement with Germany. One such country is the Philippines. This thesis attempts to comprehensively explain the external and internal factors relevant to establishing Germany’s third pillar of foreign policy by utilizing the state and system levels of analysis. It also examined how the third pillar of German foreign policy is being implemented in the Philippines using the theory of transactionalism and UNESCO’s Seven Guiding Principles for the Education Policy of all Nations. From interviews conducted with representatives of the German Embassy Manila, Goethe-Institut, and DAAD in the Philippines, it was found that the presence of German foreign policy’s third pillar is felt by Filipinos as they benefit from the intercultural exchange happening between the two countries. Germany and the Philippines successfully formed a bilateral cultural relationship that promotes cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and international cooperation. Keywords: Cultural and Education Policy, Levels of Analysis, Transactionalism, Cultural Diplomac