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international

Art as an instrument of negotiation

helen Petrovsky

RAS Institute of Philosophy

Université Sorbonne Nouvelle

What strikes me today about the show organized who was then head of the UN Office at Geneva
on the UNOG premises to commemorate the and who, among other things, was a big fan of
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50 anniversary of the United Nations is not the arts, was always a convinced proponent off
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exactly its scope (sixty participants from all over dialogue himself, both as a civil servant and a
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the world, which is only natural given the originsss political scientist. At that time, namely in 1990s,

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and goals of the organization itself) but rather it seemed almost self-evident: the end of the
its overall concept. “Dialogues of Peace” – such Cold War simply called for a dialogue on all
was the general title. It reflected a certain state possible levels. And in many instances it did take
of the world that was far from peaceful, to be place. It was indeed a transformative moment
sure, but that nevertheless carried a certain hope when dialogue led to real achievements, i.e.,
and, I dare say, determination. I am referring to the curbing of the arms race and the reduction
the very idea of dialogue, which might sound of nuclear stockpiles, to name but the most
like some worn-out slogan, but in fact points to impressive results. But to achieve that, one had to
a very important dimension of politics as well practice nothing less than a new kind of thinking
as human relations. As it turns out, it is very (another of my father’s favorite ideas), which, if
difficult to engage in dialogue, while it is much translated into a different language, would stand
easier to make deals, the urge (and the ethics) for the Utopian element in politics.
behind these two distinct forms of interaction
being entirely different. Now, when we speak of Utopia, we should
bear in mind that this has nothing to do with
Of course, I could add a personal touch to my a lack of practicality or some distant and
recollections. My father, Vladimir Petrovsky, unattainable horizon. The Utopian element
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