Abuse of international cultural, diplomatic and commercial exchanges

Exchanges may be used as a means of propaganda and of espionage. Propaganda may use many different media, including visits by ambassadors and other key personalities; for exchange visits by ordinary members of the public, each nation may select young people or other categories susceptible to indoctrination. Programme schedules for such visits may only show the most favourable aspects of a country. 'Indigenous culture' may become distorted when used for propaganda purposes. International cultural and diplomatic exchange may encourage counterpropaganda in the same vein as a result of ideological rivalry. It may provide a foothold for espionage activities which, if discovered, may increase international conflict rather than dissipate it.