A ‘Sound Investment’? British Cultural Diplomacy and Overseas Students: The British Council's Students Committee, 1935–1939

This article explores the UK government's first foray into cultural diplomacy by focusing on activities of British Council's Students Committee in run-up to Second World War. were placed at heart diplomacy, which drew foreign models as well experience intra-empire exchanges. While employing internationalist discourse, drive attract more overseas students United Kingdom was intended bring economic and political advantages host country. The Council pursued its policy cooperation with non-state actors but ultimately guided Foreign Office, led it target key strategic regions, principally Europe Mediterranean Basin.