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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - The importance of cultural sensitivity in international relations

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Topic: The importance of cultural sensitivity in international relations

Question: To what extent is cultural sensitivity important in fostering successful international relations between nations? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of being culturally sensitive, and provide examples from recent global events to support your argument.

Model Answer:

Cultural sensitivity plays a significant role in fostering successful international relations between nations. It allows countries to understand and respect each other's customs, traditions, and values, which can lead to better cooperation, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. In this essay, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of being culturally sensitive and provide examples from recent global events to support our argument.

On one hand, being culturally sensitive offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it promotes mutual respect and understanding between nations, which can help prevent misunderstandings and misinterpretations. For example, when the United States apologized for the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II, it demonstrated a level of cultural sensitivity that contributed to improving relations with Japan. Additionally, culturally sensitive diplomacy can lead to more effective negotiations and problem-solving, as leaders are better able to anticipate and address the concerns of their counterparts from different cultural backgrounds. For instance, during the Iran nuclear deal negotiations, both sides demonstrated a high degree of cultural sensitivity, which helped them reach a successful agreement.

On the other hand, there can be disadvantages to being excessively culturally sensitive. It may result in a lack of clarity or consistency in international policies and decisions, as leaders may be hesitant to take strong stands on issues due to concerns about offending other nations. Furthermore, overemphasizing cultural sensitivity could potentially lead to the marginalization of minority voices within a nation, as the need to adhere to a shared national identity might suppress diverse perspectives. For example, Turkey's decision to ban the wearing of headscarves in government buildings can be seen as an attempt to promote a secular national identity, but it has been criticized for marginalizing Muslim women and their rights.

In conclusion, cultural sensitivity is essential in fostering successful international relations, as it promotes understanding, respect, and effective communication between nations. However, it is important to find the right balance, avoiding excessive cultural sensitivity that might undermine a nation's principles or cause internal divisions. By examining recent global events, we can see that cultural sensitivity has both advantages and disadvantages, but its overall impact on international relations is undeniably positive.

Overall Score: Band 8.5

Task Response: 9
Coherence and Cohesion: 9
Lexical Resource: 8
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8

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