The Romanian Blouse and the Many Forms of Cultural Diplomacy

Cultural diplomacy takes many shapes and forms. The forms and ornaments found on Romanian folk blouses, called “ia” (pronounced E – A), are just the latest and probably most unusual manifestation of what cultural diplomacy can be. Unbeknown to most, the Romanian blouse is truly an universal cultural icon. Worn by celebrities, part of cultural revolutions such as the hippie movement in the 60s, loved by famous fashion designers from around the world, and an inspiration for famous artists or movie characters, the Romanian Blouses trace their origins back to the ancient civilizations found along the Danube river thousands of years ago. They preserved a part of the language of...

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A Look Back on the Youth Leadership Program with Central Europe (YLPCE)

In 2009, representatives from Meridian and a Serbian youth organization, Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR), met serendipitously in Jakarta, Indonesia at a World Movement for Democracy conference. This meeting resulted in a proposal and four years of partnership implementing the Youth Leadership Program with Central Europe (YLPCE). Continue