The articles presented in this conference reader are aimed at assessing to what extent international cultural policies reflect both the macro developments that have taken place and the changes in cultural practice. The following questions are posed: Does cultural diplomacy remain a potent force or has it been superseded by new imperatives? Where are the demarcation lines in responsibility? Are trade or cultural ministries setting the agenda or are foreign affairs ministries still pulling the strings? To what extent can international policies be arts-led? What of the emerging role of regions and cities in international cultural co-operation? How are cultural institutes and agencies responsible for international cultural exchange adapting to reductions in financial aid? How can programmes of support at European, national, regional and local levels more adequately respond to the needs of cultural practitioners who wish to engage in transnational collaboration? What have been the research responses to changes in the international cultural policies of governments? Other contributions from the conference assess general trends emerging from a survey on the situation in different countries (Finland, the Netherlands and Switzerland). Editor: Rod Fisher.