Neo-Chivalric Organizations as Actors of Societal Security: Cultural Microdiplomacy in the Practice of the Sovereign Templar Order Saint Martin

Abstract

Against a European backdrop of identity fragmentation, social polarisation, and declining public trust, this article analyses the conditions under which a neo-chivalric organisation can contribute to inclusion, community cohesion, and societal security. The theoretical framework brings together the Copenhagen School's perspective, Pierre Bourdieu's theory of symbolic capital, the understanding of Europe as 'a culture of cultures', and the concepts of soft power and cultural microdiplomacy. The research uses a qualitative case study of the Sovereign Templar Order Saint Martin (OSTSM), based on an analysis of institutional documents and cultural, educational, and philanthropic projects. It examines the public recognition of merit, cultural dialogue and transnational cooperation, as well as solidarity and the inclusion of vulnerable people. The analysis indicates that tradition and ceremonial visibility are insufficient to ensure the legitimacy of a contemporary organisation. Legitimacy is built through transparency, congruence between declared values and concrete actions, open cooperation, and verifiable social outcomes. Neo-chivalry can thus be understood as a form of symbolic civil society, and cultural microdiplomacy as a complementary means of supporting societal security.