Cat and Soft-Power Diplomacy

Ms. Aulia Asri
4 days ago
9 min read

Sharing you a picture of my dearest cat, Jean-Pierre le chat

In recent years, a notable trend in global political communication has been the rise of “digital diplomacy” through the strategic use of cat-themed content on social media platforms. This approach leverages the widespread appeal and endearing qualities of cats, which transcend cultural boundaries and resonate with diverse audiences. In the Turkish context, cats occupy a particularly prominent position in both public life and national identity, rooted in historical and religious traditions that emphasize compassion toward animals. Since around 2018, cats have emerged as symbolic tools in Turkey’s digital public diplomacy, featuring not only in the personal social media posts of political leaders but also in televised interviews and print media appearances alongside political figures. These feline-centered narratives serve not only to humanize politicians and foster emotional connectivity with the public, but also to subtly reinforce national values and cultural distinctiveness. Thus, the cat has evolved into an unofficial but potent instrument of nation branding for Turkey, reflecting a unique blend of soft power, digital engagement, and cultural diplomacy.

The deep-rooted respect and affection for cats in Turkish society can be traced to both religious and historical foundations. In Islamic tradition, numerous hadiths recount the Prophet Muhammad’s fondness for cats, thereby providing a religious endorsement for their humane treatment. This reverence became culturally embedded over centuries. Historically, Istanbul’s status as a major hub in maritime trade contributed to the proliferation of cats, as sailors often brought them aboard ships to control rodent populations. This practical role led to the natural spread of cats throughout the city. During the Ottoman Empire, cats were further valued for their role in maintaining urban hygiene by curbing the spread of disease through rodent control. Unlike in medieval Europe—where cats were often vilified—Ottoman society not only accepted but actively protected them. Religious endowments (waqfs) were established to care for stray animals, including cats, demonstrating institutionalized compassion. This legacy continued into the modern era. Following the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, the state strengthened its commitment to animal welfare. In 2004, Turkey enacted a comprehensive animal protection law that includes provisions for the humane treatment of stray cats, including catch-neuter-release programs and adoption initiatives. This legislation reflects a continuity of societal values shaped by religion, history, and public health needs, formalizing the nation’s enduring positive stance toward feline welfare.

Cat Diplo-meow-cy Stories

Following Japan’s defeat in World War II and the Sino-Japanese War, the nation embarked on a deliberate rebranding of its global image, utilizing media as a tool of soft power. Central to this transformation was the cultivation of kawaii—a concept broadly translated as “cute”—which has since evolved into a pervasive cultural and economic force. A seminal figure within this phenomenon is Hello Kitty, created by Sanrio, whose global recognition and economic impact underscore the reach of Japan’s kawaii diplomacy. Sanrio’s merchandising empire, centered on Hello Kitty, generates over $1 billion annually, illustrating how cuteness is commodified and exported as both an aesthetic and a strategic economic resource. This commodification not only fuels Japan’s economy but also bolsters its soft power by embedding Japanese cultural symbols into the daily lives of international consumers. Hello Kitty, appointed as Japan’s cultural ambassador during its 2023 diplomatic engagements with ASEAN nations, exemplifies how cultural icons serve as economic and diplomatic conduits. Though not a state actor, Hello Kitty embodies a form of decentralized power, allowing Japan to exert influence subtly through market mechanisms and transnational corporate networks. Her integration into global supply chains means that Sanrio’s licensing decisions can have direct economic ramifications for foreign companies, amplifying Japan’s leverage in international markets. Moreover, Japan’s cultural exchange is not unidirectional. The country also absorbs external influences, particularly from the United States, including superheroes, fast food, and aspects of queer culture. This bidirectional flow complicates traditional hierarchies of cultural dominance and subordination. The interrelation between kawaii culture and queer aesthetics further complicates global power dynamics, situating Japan not only as a producer of cultural capital but also as a participant in a broader negotiation of identity and representation. Thus, Japan’s strategic deployment of kawaii and queer culture challenges conventional notions of state-centric power by revealing how cultural exports can act as potent instruments of soft power in a globalized capitalist economy.

Sanrio’s Hello Kitty has emerged as one of Japan’s most influential symbols of soft power, increasingly recognized as a global cultural ambassador. Immensely popular across generations and borders, Hello Kitty is more than a commercial icon—she serves as a subtle yet effective instrument of cultural diplomacy. On November 1, 2023, the Japan Society of Northern California (JSNC) recognized this contribution by awarding Hello Kitty its prestigious Cultural Ambassador Award. The JSNC, established in 1905 to promote Japan–U.S. relations through cultural and linguistic exchange, praised Hello Kitty for her ability to embody and project Japanese kawaii (cute) culture. As JSNC President Stephen Pollock noted, “Hello Kitty has come to embody Japanese kawaii culture. People think of her as very cute and friendly. She definitely has a positive impact on friendship and celebration around the world.” Hello Kitty’s appeal lies in her universality and emotional accessibility. She is featured across a vast range of products and media, reaching consumers of all ages and backgrounds. Her influence extends well beyond merchandise: she has participated in public awareness campaigns and development initiatives. Since April 2021, Hello Kitty has collaborated with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) India office to promote hygiene awareness among children. Through educational programs and YouTube videos, she has played a key role in advocating for proper handwashing practices to curb the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. These initiatives illustrate how Hello Kitty transcends her commercial origins to become a symbol of public health, education, and international goodwill—hallmarks of effective cultural diplomacy.

President Prabowo Subianto, while a seasoned figure in Indonesia’s defense and geopolitical arena, has adopted a notably more humanistic communication style since assuming office as the 8th President of the Republic of Indonesia in October 2024. Central to this transformation is his use of personal symbolism and emotionally resonant imagery—exemplified most vividly in his relationship with his pets at the Presidential Palace. Among them, Bobby, a domestic stray cat, has become a prominent figure in Indonesian public diplomacy. Bobby is not merely a pet; he is a narrative tool that encapsulates empathy, accessibility, and personal storytelling. Originally a stray who frequented Prabowo’s residence on Jalan Kertanegara during home renovations in 2016, Bobby was adopted out of compassion and gradually integrated into the family. He was given the affectionate name “Bobby Kertanegara” and has since gained fame as a “palace diplomat,” amassing nearly a million followers on Instagram. Bobby’s presence at the Presidential Palace—alongside three other feline companions, Mika, Miki, and Miko—extends beyond domestic companionship. His digital popularity and international attention serve as part of President Prabowo’s strategy to humanize political leadership and foster emotionally resonant international relationships. Bobby has even received symbolic diplomatic gifts: a three-story cat house from the Chinese Embassy and a plush whale toy from Bill Gates during a state visit to Merdeka Palace. These gestures reflect a growing trend in global politics: the strategic use of animals in digital diplomacy to create softer, emotionally connective narratives in a world often dominated by hard power dynamics. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese presented a symbolic gesture of friendship to "Bobby Kertanegara," the beloved cat of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The gift—a red scarf collar bearing the inscription "Australia ❤️ Indonesia"—was offered as a token of affection and bilateral goodwill. In a carefully choreographed moment of diplomatic warmth, Bobby’s stroller was placed to Prime Minister Albanese’s left. The Prime Minister affectionately petted and held Bobby, an act that was met with applause and delight from the dignitaries in attendance. He then draped the red scarf around Bobby’s neck and offered him treats, reinforcing the moment’s charm and informality.

In the ever-shifting landscape of British politics, where prime ministers come and go with increasing rapidity, one figure has provided a rare constant: Larry the Cat. Officially titled the Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, Larry has been a fixture at 10 Downing Street since 2011, enduring the rise and fall of multiple governments and political storms with feline composure. Larry’s story began humbly. Born a stray in 2007, he was adopted from London’s Battersea Dogs and Cats Home during David Cameron’s premiership. Though initially welcomed as a family pet, Larry quickly assumed an official role, complete with duties listed on the UK government’s website: greeting guests, inspecting security, and—perhaps most importantly—testing antique furniture for its napping suitability. What distinguishes Larry is his status not as a personal pet, but as a civil servant. This means he remains at Downing Street regardless of who holds the keys to power. As Cameron clarified during his final Prime Minister’s Questions in 2016, Larry’s residence is permanent—“politicians are temporary residents,” as Larry’s unofficial Twitter account put it in 2022. Larry's diplomatic instincts are as keen as his mouse-hunting. He reportedly warmed to President Barack Obama, but was notably less affectionate toward Donald Trump. During Trump’s 2019 state visit, Larry famously took up residence under the president’s armoured limousine, momentarily stalling the departure from Theresa May’s meeting. Beyond Westminster, Larry has become a global symbol of continuity amid chaos. During the political upheaval of 2022, when the UK saw three prime ministers in just 45 days, a viral tweet from his unofficial account quipped: “The King has asked me to become Prime Minister because this nonsense has gone on long enough.” This sparked the whimsical #Larry4Leader campaign, with pledges like a “responsible hiss-cal policy” and “no lying in No. 10 unless it’s on a comfy cushion.” Larry’s reign—steeped in charm, wit, and a touch of sass—provides more than comic relief. It reminds the British public, and the world, that while elected leaders may falter, some traditions, and whiskered sentinels, endure.

Named after one of Britain’s most formidable Foreign Secretaries, Lord Palmerston, the cat known simply as Palmerston carved out a legacy of his own in the corridors of British diplomacy. Arriving at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in April 2016, this black-and-white rescue cat from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home quickly became more than just a pet—he became a symbol of Britain’s soft power, complete with whiskers and a Twitter account. Palmerston’s tenure as the FCO’s Chief Mouser was marked by classic diplomatic charm: affectionate purring, surprise dead mice “gifts,” and an unwavering presence in the marble halls of diplomacy. Adored by staff and frequently spotted patrolling the grand staircases of Whitehall, Palmerston represented the softer side of Britain’s global engagement strategy—literally putting the U.K.’s best paw forward. But his diplomatic life wasn’t without drama. Just across the street lived Larry, the Chief Mouser of 10 Downing Street. Their feline feud became the stuff of Westminster legend. Sightings of the two engaging in turf wars—hissing, swatting, and posturing—became a regular feature for photographers and amused civil servants alike. Palmerston’s official retirement came in August 2020. In a farewell letter posted to social media by his unofficial handle @DiploMog, he declared: “Even those with four legs and fur have an important part to play in the U.K.’s global effort… I have been delighted to meet representatives from all over the world, and I hope I have done you proud.” His retirement wasn’t the end of his travels. Adopted by Andrew Murdoch, a senior Foreign Office diplomat, Palmerston followed his human to Bermuda when Murdoch was appointed Governor. The globe-trotting cat had swapped the formalities of Whitehall for the laid-back breezes of the Caribbean. While Palmerston may no longer patrol the Foreign Office halls, his legacy as a four-legged envoy remains etched in the annals of British public diplomacy.

In the world of high-stakes diplomacy—bristling with tense negotiations, formal state visits, and symbolic gift-giving—few figures have bridged nations quite like Mir, a Siberian cat with a name that means "peace" in Russian. Mir’s tale begins not with treaties, but with tragedy and gratitude. In the aftermath of the devastating 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, Japan received international support, including humanitarian aid from Russia. As a token of appreciation, Japan gifted an Akita dog named Yume to Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2012—a gesture steeped in both emotional and cultural symbolism. A year later, in a masterstroke of reciprocal diplomacy, Putin returned the favor by sending Mir—a fluffy feline ambassador from Siberia—to Norihisa Satake, the cat-loving Governor of Japan’s Akita Prefecture. This seemingly quaint gesture became a cross-cultural saga that quietly outlasted most political handshakes. Where leaders rise and fall, Mir remained: an enduring figure of soft power lounging on tatami mats in Japan while reminding the world of the unspoken dialogue between two proud nations. His name, Mir, captured both the hope for lasting peace and the quiet, meditative nature that cats so effortlessly embody. Governor Satake embraced the gift not just as a pet, but as a peace envoy. In interviews, he noted the importance of Mir as a symbol of the bond forged through compassion in a time of national crisis. The gesture underscored a simple yet powerful truth of diplomacy: sometimes, a cat can express what words cannot.

Paw-sitive Impact

Cats have been our companions for centuries, sharing homes and hearts alike. Despite their wild instincts, these creatures have grown alongside human civilization, evolving into much more than pets—they have become symbols of affection, gentleness, and trust. This emotional bond transcends mere companionship. In the realm of modern diplomacy, cats serve as unexpected but powerful bridges between cultures and individuals. Their presence brings warmth and relatability to often formal and rigid protocols. “Cat diplomacy,” as it’s sometimes affectionately called, leverages the innate cuteness and calm of these animals to melt tension, break the stiffness of official meetings, and subtly convey messages of peace and goodwill. Through the lens of soft power, these feline figures exemplify how influence can emerge from the most unexpected places. Cats, with their universal appeal, embody cultural empathy and emotional connection—key ingredients in fostering trust across nations. Moreover, their popularity in digital spaces—social media accounts, viral videos, and public appearances—amplifies their reach, transforming them into global symbols of harmony and friendship. By combining cultural empathy, digital engagement, and symbolic storytelling, cat diplomacy creates a uniquely effective form of soft power. It reminds us that diplomacy isn’t always about grand gestures or political rhetoric; sometimes, it’s about the small, everyday symbols that resonate on a human level, nurturing cross-national relationships through trust, empathy, and a shared appreciation for the simple joys of life.

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Cat and Soft-Power Diplomacy

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