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Insights brings together perspectives, conversations and publications on international affairs, economic diplomacy, strategic relationships and the markets in which Sundance works.
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Trust before agreement
In cross-border work, an agreement often appears to be the decisive moment. The conditions that make it possible are built much earlier: through credible introductions, careful listening and a working understanding of the institutions and people involved.
Economic diplomacy now extends well beyond formal state channels. Chambers of commerce, sovereign-linked institutions, think tanks and individuals who work between sectors can create access and sustain dialogue. Their influence depends on trust: the confidence that a relationship can carry a difficult conversation, connect the right parties and withstand changing circumstances.
This is why soft power should be understood as something practiced through relationships, rather than held as a static asset. For organizations entering an unfamiliar market, the quality of local understanding and the integrity of the connections matter as much as the initial opportunity.
This proposed article draws on Enikő Bartha’s published chapter on soft power, trust and hybrid actors. Link from the article to the full citation in PUBLICATIONS
Ideas in conversation.
Sundance Conversations collects lectures and discussions on diplomacy, international markets and the relationships that connect them. Each entry identifies the speaker, host, date and format, and gives access to slides or a recording where available.
Enikő discussed the region’s strategic importance, the EU’s Indo-Pacific approach and Global Gateway, drawing on her EU Delegation experience in Singapore. Edit examined Hungary’s diplomatic, economic, cultural and academic engagement with the region. A discussion with the audience followed.
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Ideas in conversation.
GUEST LECTURE AND DISCUSSION · 20 NOVEMBER 2025 · GYŐR, HUNGARY
At Széchenyi István University, Enikő Bartha and Edit Kerekes, then Chargé d’affaires at the Embassy of Hungary in Singapore, explored Southeast Asia from European and Hungarian perspectives. Dr. Adrienn Dernóczy-Polyák moderated the session.
The audience follows Edit Kerekes’s remote presentation at Széchenyi István University. Image filename credits Dudás Máté.
Wide view of the in-person lecture and audience. Image filename credits Nagy Gergely.
Inside an EU Delegation
ONLINE GUEST LECTURE · SAPIENTIA UNIVERSITY, KOLOZSVÁR · DATE TO CONFIRM
At Széchenyi István University, Enikő Bartha and Edit Kerekes, then Chargé d’affaires at the Embassy of Hungary in Singapore, explored Southeast Asia from European and Hungarian perspectives. Dr. Adrienn Dernóczy-Polyák moderated the session.
Economic Diplomacy Beyond the State
CONFERENCE PRESENTATION · 28 MAY 2026 · BUDAPEST
Enikő presented her work on soft power, trust and hybrid actors at Innovation and Sustainability in Economic and Political Relations in Europe, hosted by Budapest University of Economics and Business. The related peer-reviewed chapter appears under Publications.
Research for a connected world.
Publications bringing together longer research and writing that examines how institutions, relationships and markets interact across borders.
Economic Diplomacy Beyond the State: Soft Power, Trust, and Hybrid Actors in Cross-Regional Systems
[Author name] · 2016 · BOOK CHAPTER
Economic diplomacy increasingly depends on actors who work across public and private boundaries. Drawing on viewpoints from Europe, Asia and the Middle East, this chapter examines how these actors navigate and collaborate across different contexts. It argues that soft power operates through influence, trust and reputation, and hybrid actors carry both public and private roles. The chapter also considers the growing role of networks in shaping the information and coordination involved in economic diplomacy.