Symbolic thinking, diplomacy and philosophy are closely related. They are linked by the question of the rationality and effectiveness of mediation. All symbols, regardless of their ability to move us, have a mediating function. However, we are talking about a specific, philosophical mediation that involves reflexivity, analysis and criticism of symbolic organisations, interpretation and dialogue. We are talking about a type of thinking that uses symbols from European mythology and the history of ideas. We look at this kind of thinking as a way of carefully analysing public cultural politics. In this context, theatre, painting and propaganda appear through powerful mythical or epic constructions that seek to mobilise and direct masses or cultural groups to carry out certain actions, or to interpret and understand themselves in a certain way. Stories like Oedipus, Faust and Salome teach us about the power of wisdom, cunning, desire and seduction in our relationships and politics. Some symbols, like Prometheus and Spartacus, can motivate people to start a revolution. Others, like Laima, Gabija and Žvėrūna-Medeina (the Lithuanian god of the forest, like Artemis or Diena), can encourage the revival of traditional religions or strengthen feelings of opposition to colonial rule. You can see all of this in theatre, cinema and novels. Understanding it is also an important part of public and cultural policy and diplomacy. In the process of critical cultural diplomacy, we adopt or adapt the symbolic organisations and thinking of others.