Sam Jones and I are currently in New York talking to people about how culture can smooth the way for diplomacy and good relations between countries, even those who are barely speaking to one another across the negotiating table.

Tomorrow we are off to see one of Kofi Anan's inner circle to talk about the UN's new 'Alliance of Civilisations' programme.  It's principle aim is to, well, bridge civilisations. All good stuff, but it raises questions about what 'civilisations' are and whether they need bridging. A guy we had dinner with tonight who moves in UN circles was concerned that the programme tacitly confirms the existence of what Samuel Huntington called the 'clash of civilisations'.

Given we are good researchers, we will reserve judgement until 3pm tomorrow. Watch this space...

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