A number of public and private sector institutes and organizations, working in the field of international relations, communication and other related areas, offer public diplomacy programming and publications as part of their broader research agenda. Below is an alphabetized selection of international organizations that provide valuable public diplomacy resources.
A-E
Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy
Washington, D.C.
A bipartisan panel created by the United States Congress and appointed by the President of the United States to appraise U.S. Government activities intended to understand, inform, and influence foreign publics.
Alliance for International Educational and Cultural Exchange
Washington, D.C.
An association of non-governmental organizations comprising the international educational and cultural exchange community in the United States that aims to formulate and promote public policies in support of international exchange links between the people of the United States and other nations. The Alliance provides news on policy issues and collects information on international exchange organizations and programs around the world.
The American Academy of Diplomacy
Washington, D.C.
An organization that explores the ways in which persons who had served in positions of major responsibility could cooperate to promote the highest standards in the practice of American diplomacy. The Academy aims to foster high standards of qualification for, and performance in, the conduct of diplomacy and the foreign affairs of the United States. Through its Leonard Marks Foundation Essay Contest and a host of other programs, it explores public diplomacy relevant issues.
American Councils for International Education
Washington, D.C.
American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS, is an international not-for-profit organization that advances education and research worldwide through international programs that provide the global perspective essential for academic and professional excellence.
The Aspen Institute
Washington, D.C.
An institute that aims to foster values-based leadership, encouraging individuals to reflect on the ideals and ideas that define a good society, and to provide a neutral and balanced venue for discussing and acting on critical issues. The Aspen Institute orginizes an annual Cultural Diplomacy Forum, and a Public Diplomacy Roundtable Series within its Global Initiative on Arts, Culture, and Society, studies the societal impact of media as part of its Communications and Society Program, and maintains The Global Interdependence Initiative Exchange blog, all of which explore public diplomacy subjects.
Association for Place Branding and Public Diplomacy
Berlin, Germany
An organization that aims to establish and shape place branding and public diplomacy as a distinctive discipline with its own progressive methods. The purpose is to increase the visibility of public diplomacy and place branding for the association and its members and to pave the way for creating synergy and cooperation between the members, with academia and practitioners.
Brookings Institute
Washington, D.C.
A nonprofit public policy organization that has produced a number of publications on public diplomacy as part of its Foreign Policy Program and regularly organizes public diplomacy events of interest. The Institute also houses prominent CPD affiliated experts at its Saban Center for Middle East Policy. Also, the Institute launched the Doha Network, an online website promoting the exchange of ideas and viewpoints between people from the Muslim world and the United States.
Business for Diplomatic Action
New York, NY
San Francisco, CA
BDA is a private-sector a-political non-profit directed by communications, marketing, political science, global development and media professionals. BDA’s mission is to enlist the U.S. business community in actions to improve the standing and reputation of America in the world. The organization is leading the private sector effort to provide constructive business solutions for public diplomacy programs and initiatives.
Centre for International Communications Research
Leeds, UK
A departmental center that provides a specialized forum for the research of global informational and cultural inequality; media and propaganda; transnational diasporic communications; international communications policy regimes; consumption and identity. The Center examines public diplomacy issues in its academic courses, and through its research projects and publications.
Centre for the Study of Propaganda and War
Canterbury, Kent
A research institute committed to a systematic study of propaganda on an interdisciplinary basis and in its widest possible historical context. The Centre aims to actively promote a greater understanding of propaganda theory and its practice and become a major focus for postgraduate study and research. The Center's website offers valuable resources on propaganda, information warfare, public and cultural diplomacy and related fields.
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Chicago, IL
An independent, nonpartisan organization committed to influencing the discourse on global issues through contributions to opinion and policy formation, leadership dialogue, and public learning. CCGA has conducted a number of studies and conferences on public opinion, soft power and public diplomacy.
Coalition For American Leadership Abroad
Washington, D.C.
An organization that works to overcome ignorance about international issues at the local and national levels by promoting educational programs and advocating for adequate funding for U.S. international programs. COLEAD provides running updates on activities in Washington and on the Hill that concern U.S. engagement in world affairs. Among its members are many public diplomacy active organizations.
Coalition for Citizen Diplomacy
Washington, D.C.
The Coalition is designed to increase the number of citizen diplomats across the United States. CCD seeks to foster international understanding and cooperation, constructive economic connections and peaceful interaction through personal interaction.
Council on Foreign Relations
New York, NY
Washington D.C.
An independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher dedicated to being a resource for its members, government officials, business executives, journalists, educators and students, civic and religious leaders, and other interested citizens. Within its Program on U.S. Strategy and Politics, the Council maintains a Public Diplomacy issue section, aggregating event transcripts, audio and video, news releases and daily analysis pieces on public diplomacy and related topics.
Counterpoint
London, UK
The cultural relations think-tank of the British Council bringing together cultural relations and public diplomacy practitioners, thinkers, writers, journalists and policy makers from around the world to shape and develop thinking on the future of public diplomacy and cultural relations. Counterpoint offers consultancy, organizes seminars, conferences and workshops, and publishes a significant number of books and articles on public diplomacy topics.
CSIS Commission on Smart Power
Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington D.C.
A high-level, bipartisan commission chaired by Richard Armitage and Joseph Nye that includes national leaders in government, elective office, the military, NGOs, media, academia and the private sector. The Commission met three times in 2007 to develop a blueprint for revitalizing America's inspirational leadership and made recommendations for developing an integrated policy to strengthen U.S. influence, image and effectiveness in the world. The Commission also organizes a Smart Power Speaker Series.
The Diplo Foundation
Msida, Malta
A non-profit organization offering academic courses and publications on public diplomacy, and organizing various related initiatives.
East Asia Institute
Seoul, Korea
An independent and nonpartisan organization devoted to research, publication, and education focused on public policy, institutions, and East Asian affairs. In collaboration with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, the East Asia Institute launched a three year research project on Soft Power in East Asia and Korea’s relation to this new source of global and regional leadership. The Institute also conducts comparative surveys of public opinion on national, regional, and global issues.
The East-West Center
Honolulu, Hawaii
An education and research organization established by the U.S. Congress in 1960 to strengthen relations and understanding among the peoples and nations of Asia, the Pacific, and the United States. Over its nearly fifty years of serving as a U.S.-based institution for public diplomacy in the Asia Pacific region with international governance, staffing, students, and participants, the Center has built a worldwide network of more than 55,000 alumni and 600 partner organizations.
East West Communications
Washington D.C.
A communications consultancy offering a range of branding and communications services designed to help countries improve how they are viewed in the world, so that they can raise their international standing and improve their economies. East West Communications released the first global nation branding index in Jul 2008 that ranks all countries and territories, based on how they are perceived in leading international media.
Edward R. Murrow Center of Public Diplomacy
Medford, MA
Established in 1965 in memory of the distinguished reporter and leader of the United States Information Agency, Edward R. Murrow, the Center participates in the definition of the field of public diplomacy through its academic courses, conferece series and publications.
European Institute for Comparative Cultural Research
Bonn, Germany
An independent organisation which carries out comparative cultural research and cultural policy monitoring in co-operation with experts from over 40 European countries. The Institute, among others, examines concepts of intercultural dialogue and cultural diplomacy, produces an annual Compendium of Cultural Policies and Trends in Europe, together with the Council of Europe, and studies different forms of cultural co-operation and their related policy implications.
F-J
The Foreign Policy Center
London, UK
A European think tank launched under the patronage of the former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The Public Diplomacy programme is one of the most established and successful projects run by the Foreign Policy Centre. Through a series of high-level panels, seminars and publications, the programme aims to develop both cutting-edge research and effective practical strategies. The programme also conducts research into the broader role of media and communications in international affairs.
Fundación Amistad
New York, USA
A not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering better mutual understanding and appreciation between the peoples of the United States and Cuba. Fundación Amistad is linked to a wide collaborative network of academic, cultural, non-governmental and humanitarian institutions based in Cuba, the United States and internationally. Specific public diplomacy initiatives focus on culture and humanitarian relief.
The German Marshall Fund of the United States
Washington D.C., Berlin, Bratislava, Paris, Brussels, Belgrade, Ankara, and Bucharest
A nonpartisan American public policy and grantmaking institution dedicated to promoting greater cooperation and understanding between the United States and Europe. Of particular public diplomacy relevance are GMF's Transatlantic Dialogue Policy Initiative, the Transatlantic Trends Public Opinion Surveys, as well as the Institute's searchable publications database on topics ranging from foreign policy to civil society, democratisation, NGO development and advocacy.
Imagindia Institute
New Delhi, India
A non-partisan action and communication center that engages in public and economic diplomacy, and campaigns on issues that have an immediate and enduring importance for Indian and global communities and promotes social entrepreneurship and the diffusion of targeted innovations, across and between cultures, in social, political, economic, business, technology, and cultural sectors. Public Diplomacy is one of the Institute's stated areas of expertise, along with Economic Diplomacy, Communications and Imagineering.
Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
New Delhi, India
ICCR is about a communion of cultures, a creative dialogue with other nations. To facilitate this interaction with world cultures, the Council has strived to articulate and demonstrate the diversity and richness of the cultures of India, both in and with other countries of the world.
Institute for Cultural Diplomacy
Berlin, Germany
An international, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization conducting research and programs in the area of cultural communication and rapprochement to offer viable alternatives to enhance traditional diplomatic policy. ICD maintains a wide variety of cultural diplomacy programs and publications, organizes events, and publishes a Cultural Diplomacy News service.
Institute for Multi-Track Diplomacy
Arlington, VA
A nonprofit organization that aims to promote a systems-based approach to peacebuilding and to facilitate the transformation of deep-rooted social conflict through education, conflict resolution training and communication. The Institute pursues a diverse publications and projects program, including, among others, a focus on track-two diplomacy and sports diplomacy.
Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication
Washington, DC
The Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication at George Washington University is an outgrowth of what was known from 2000-2008 as the Public Diplomacy Institute. IPDGC is supported by both the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and the Elliott School of International Affairs at GW. The Institute is a leader in research, practice, training, and innovative thinking in the areas of global communication and public diplomacy.
Institute of International Education
New York, NY
An independent nonprofit international education and training organization promoting closer educational relations between the people of the United States and those of other countries; strengthening and linking institutions of higher learning globally; building leadership skills and enhancing the capacity of individuals and organizations to address local and global challenges. Of main interest would be, IIE’s flagship research project Open Doors which provides data on student mobility trends to and from the U.S., and its Project Atlas, offering similar mobility data from the perspective of other leading host countries.
The Institute of World Politics
Washington, D.C.
An independent, nonprofit, accredited graduate school of national security and international affairs, dedicated to developing leaders with a sound understanding of international realities and the ethical conduct of statecraft -- i.e., the use of the various instruments of power in service of national interests and purposes. The Institute has produced several books and papers, and offers lectures and academic courses on public diplomacy.
InterMedia
Washington, D.C.
A research and consulting organization specializing in audience research and message targeting in developing and transitional countries. InterMedia's areas of expertise are Public Diplomacy, International Development, New Communication & Media Technologies, and Word-of-Mouth. The organization produces AudienceScapes -- a quantitative and qualitative survey of communication habits in developing and transitional countries worldwide.
The Japan Foundation
Tokyo, Japan
New York, NY
Los Angeles, CA
The Japan Foundation is a Japanese public organization dedicated to implementing comprehensive international cultural exchange projects in every region of the globe. Through its activities, it contributes to the deepening of mutual international understanding and the building of peace in the international community. These activities are implemented in the following ways: arts and cultural exchange, Japanese-language education overseas, and Japanese studies and intellectual exchange. The Japan Foundation also runs the Center for Global Partnership which is dedicated to strengthening ties between Japan and the U.S.
Jordan Institute of Diplomacy
Amman, Jordan
A national institute dedicated to diplomatic training in the fields of international relations and communication. The JID provides trainee diplomats with the required tools for success, particularly in public diplomacy and effective communication with civil society organizations. It also empowers them to deal effectively with the tasks of economic cooperation, attracting investments, promoting tourism, and other areas of direct economic impact.
K-O
The Korea Foundation
Seoul, Korea
An independent organization affiliated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and supported by public funding and private donations. The Korea Foundation was established in 1991 with the aim of enhancing Korea's image and reputation in the world through the promotion of various academic and cultural exchange programs.
Layalina Productions, Inc.
Washington, D.C.
Layalina Productions, Inc. helps bridge the divide between the Arab world and the United States by fostering cultural, educational, and professional dialogues through effective commercial television programming and publications that address the issues affecting U.S.-Arab relations. Produced in the U.S. and throughout the Arab world, Layalina’s programming airs in primetime on pan-Arab free-to-air satellite television networks and on U.S. cable networks. The Layalina Review is a one-stop source for monitoring developments in the spheres of Public Diplomacy and Arab media.
Meridian International Center
Washington, D.C.
A non-profit and non-partisan institution dedicated to advancing international understanding through public diplomacy and global engagement. The Center organizes an Annual Meridian Ball which includes awarding of Meridian’s Public Diplomacy Leadership Award, and puts in place various professional exchanges, international conferences, arts and education programs.
Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael
The Hague, The Netherlands
A non-profit knowledge institute for international relations acting as a think-tank as well as a diplomatic academy in order to identify and analyze emerging political and social developments for the benefit of government and the general public. In the framework of its Diplomatic Studies Programme the Institute examines contemporary trends and innovations in diplomatic practice focusing on nation branding and public diplomacy, foreign ministries and change, diplomatic representation, sub-state diplomacy, diplomatic theory, and consular affairs. CDSP's serialized publications feature numerous articles, papers and books on public diplomacy topics.
P-T
Palander Institute of Communication and Public Diplomacy
Budapest, Hungary
The aim of the activity of the PALANDER INSTITUTE is to act as a bridge between civil society, political decision makers, actors of economic life and also representatives of scientific and cultural sphere, to reveal and explore new possibilities of discourse and reinforce the responsibility in participants of communication concerning community purposes. The Institute is ready to act for strengthening the initiatives and processes in the civil society by adapting the international experience of democracy and disseminate the democratic norms of informing the publics and also the effective methods of civil participation.
Public Diplomacy Alumni Association
Bethesda, MD
A non-profit, voluntary organization, formerly the USIA Alumni Association, of more than 400 members who have worked in or with the information, education, and cultural programs which the U.S. Government incorporates into the conduct of its diplomacy abroad. PDAA sponsors a speakers program for members and their guests three times a year, has completed more than 125 oral histories of distinguished USIA Officers, and publishes a newsletter and directory.
Public Diplomacy Collaborative
Cambridge, MA
A collaborative forum hosted by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the Harvard Kennedy School that strives to enhance purposeful international communication. The forum's goal is to connect key nodes of public diplomacy practice and put public opinion and public diplomacy research into the hands of practitioners, regardless of location or sector. The PD Collaborative emphasizes discussion, training, scholarship, and publication in the field of public diplomacy as well as the exchange of regional information across sectors, disciplines, and national boundaries. The Collaborative seeks to support, improve, and expand public diplomacy efforts in a manner that most successfully promotes democratic governance.
The Public Diplomacy Institute
Washington, DC
A research institute at George Washington University that seeks to advance public diplomacy through scholarship, research, consultation, and professional services. PDI offers courses on public diplomacy, mentors students, sponsors conferences and academic roundtables, develops public diplomacy courses and teaching materials, and supports the preservation of archival materials.
Search for Common Ground
Washington, DC
Brussels, Belgium
An international non-governmental organization that aims to transform the way the world deals with conflict - away from adversarial approaches and towards collaborative problem solving. SFCG works at the grassroots level to find culturally appropriate means to strengthen societies' capacity to deal with conflicts constructively, to understand the differences and act on the commonalities. Among others, SFCG focuses on issues of peace journalism, media outreach and training, Track "One and a Half", II and III diplomacy to facilitate the transformation of conflict.
Serbian Institute for Public Diplomacy
Brussels, Belgium
Serbian Institute aims to develop Serbian public diplomacy initiatives through its practices and in collaboration with other academic and research institutions. To this end, it seeks to join its forces with Serbian and foreign government officials, Members of Parliament and their staffs, practitioners in non-governmental organizations, and the media. Serbian Institute advances the practice of public diplomacy through research, consultation, publications, and professional services.
The Stanley Foundation
Muscatine, IA
A nonpartisan, private operating foundation focusing primarily on peace and security issues and advocating principled multilateralism. The Stanley Foundation promotes public understanding, constructive dialogue, and cooperative action on critical international issues, recognizing the essential roles of the policy community, media professionals, and the involved public in building sustainable peace.
TakePart
Los Angeles, CA
TakePart is a new cause-related site designed to help the public explore global issues and take action. TakePart seeks to provide information and tools for action, so individuals can make a difference. TakePart allows the user to connect with people who care about various issues and receive updates on how participants are involved. TakePart is affiliated with Participant Media and believes that a good story well told can truly make a difference in how one sees the world.
U-Z
U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy
Des Moines, IA
An organization that works for the development of resources which will enable the establishment of best-practices in citizen diplomacy and the recruitment of persons to serve as U.S. citizen ambassadors to the world. The Center manages a national database and interactive web site of U.S. citizen diplomacy activities and programs throughout the country and the world, and conducts research on the impact of citizen diplomacy.
U.S. Institute of Peace
Washington, DC
An independent, nonpartisan, national institution established and funded by the United States Congress. Through its Media, Conflict and Peacebuilding Center of Innovation, USIP conducts research and analysis of the power of the media for peacebuilding, and on developing new strategies for countering the abuse of media during conflict. Among its recent projects are the development of innovative media strategies for public diplomacy, as well as a Virtual Diplomacy Initiative that explores the role of information and communications technologies in the conduct of foreign affairs.
World Affairs Councils of America
Washington, DC
A commonwealth of 87 World Affairs Councils that seeks to engage grassroots America in international issues, to stimulate communities to interact effectively in the global economy, and help people relate their local concerns to global issues. The national association organizes an annual conference, leadership missions abroad, international speaker exchanges, people-to-people diplomacy missions, educational workshops, book tours, operations workshops, research papers, and national publications.
Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP)
Washington, DC
Young Professionals in Foreign Policy is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to fostering the next generation of foreign policy leadership. We dedicate ourselves to honest, informed, thoughtful discussion of international affairs; the professional advancement, intellectual development, and personal growth of our members; camaraderie within our community; and public service.
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