OVERVIEW

The year 2008 marked the third annual Summer Institute in Public Diplomacy. This innovative training program run by the USC Center on Public Diplomacy at the Annenberg School, is an opportunity for professionals to collaborate and immerse themselves in the increasingly critical study of public diplomacy. Geared toward mid-career professionals, the program approaches public diplomacy in a multi-disciplinary manner and provides training in both theory and practice. The Institute utilizes a unique methodology which allows participants to immediately apply theory and knowledge to real life international situations.

This intensive two-week course is taught by some of the world’s most distinguished public diplomacy experts and covers all the main fields in public diplomacy from the traditional areas of international broadcasting and international exchanges through media diplomacy to the newest forms of public diplomacy such as e-image and cyber-public diplomacy. In addition to innovative instruction, the program provides a setting for mid-career professionals to exercise their evaluation and decision-making skills in a group of their peers and contribute their own ideas and perspectives. Graduates will receive an invaluable two weeks of instruction and collaboration, and an official Certificate in Public Diplomacy from USC.

EXPECTED RESULTS

• Reflect on the challenges facing contemporary public diplomacy and the range of strategies available;  
• Analyze the impact of new communications technologies and globalization upon public diplomacy;  
• Utilize cutting-edge social science research in real-time public diplomacy practice.