Culture as a Weapon in the Fight for World Order: Meet Martin Gelin at The Black Diamond
Meet Swedish journalist and award-winning author Martin Gelin in conversation with Lotte Folke, when he visits Royal Danish Library on 24 September to discuss his new book.
Photo: Martin Gelin
Published 13 August 2026 | Revision 19 August 2026
In uncertain times marked by geopolitical tensions and disinformation, culture and values play an increasingly important role in the struggle over the world order. We have moved from the open seduction of Coca-Cola culture to the covert manipulation through algorithms with state interference through apps such as TikTok and Temu.
This is the opinion of author Martin Gelin, who in his new book describes how countries such as Russia, China and Saudi Arabia are investing heavily in cultural propaganda as a means of gaining power and influence on a global scale. According to Martin Gelin, this is happening at the same time that many Western countries underestimate the importance of so-called 'soft power' and consider culture to be a luxury in times of crisis – instead of a necessary safeguard.
On 24 September, he will visit Royal Danish Library for a conversation with journalist and culture editor Lotte Folke about the importance of culture in the struggle for power on a global scale.
Cultural resilience has become a buzzword these days. Global conflicts and power shifts are not simply a question of military strength and economic power: A significant part of the fight is taking place through culture, values and shared narratives. This is happening quite openly in Ukraine, where attacks on the country's culture and identity have become part of the war. But it is also happening in secret, where cultural influence from all over the world can crawl into our everyday lives through apps and algorithms – and it is important to be aware of this. That is why I am very pleased that we can welcome Martin Gelin to The Black Diamond for an afternoon of literature and culture. I hope that many - young and old - will seize the opportunity.
Jag har skrivit en bok om mjuk makt i en hård tid. Jag skrev boken utifrån övertygelsen att framtidens stora konflikter inte bara kommer att utspelas på konventionella slagfält, med militär och missiler, utan även präglas av informationskrig, propaganda och dramatiska förändringar i kulturellt inflytande. Ska det öppna samhället klara den här turbulenta perioden tror jag att vi måste förstå den roll som den mjuka makten haft i vår moderna historia. Om demokratin ska överleva måste demokratier betraktas som attraktiva. Då är kulturen ingen lyx, utan en existentiell fråga.
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Thought Leadership Stage: Culture as a Means of Power with Martin Gelin (SE) and Lotte Folke Kaarsholm
About Royal Danish Library's Thought Leadership Stage
The event is part of Royal Danish Library’s Thought Leadership Stage, a series of conversations in which we present new perspectives from some of the world’s leading figures in politics and society, always with literature as the starting point.
About Martin Gelin
After 23 years in New York, Martin Gelin returned to Sweden in 2024. As a US correspondent and author of seven books on American politics, society and culture, he has been following the global status of the United States closely. With the book Mjuk makt: Kultur och propaganda i den nya världsordningen, he focuses on how authoritarian regimes such as China, Russia and Saudi Arabia use culture, algorithms and state-funded propaganda to gain global influence, while Western democracies are increasingly falling behind in the geopolitical power struggle. His message is clear: Cultural influence and credibility are just as important as military and economic strength today.