What does James Bond have to do with intercultural research?

An answer to this question was offered by a webinar of the Neuburger Gesprächskreis, chaired by Dr Fritz Audebert, which took on the dazzling cinematic world of James Bond 007. As proven experts on the topic, Dr. Audebert introduced the academics Prof. Christoph Barmeyer (Chair of Intercultural Communication, University of Passau) and PD Dr. Jörg Scheffer (Academic Senior Councillor in the Department of Geography, University of Passau). In their analysis, the two researchers show how the title figure embodies ideals and identities as well as a certain lifestyle and exemplifies intercultural competence. In a subsequent discussion, the influence of the secret agent on collective perceptions and stereotypes of other countries and cultures was critically questioned.