A curated selection of public diplomacy-relevant news from a global cross-section of English-language media outlets, including independent, corporate-owned, and state-sponsored sources. The stories featured don't necessarily represent CPD's views nor have they been verified by CPD.
Asia’s national brands rise in profile
A new survey points to the importance of a long-term approach to nation branding. If the results of FutureBrand’s Country Brand Index are anything to go by, countries in Asia should be following Singapore’s lead in marketing their country brands. The Lion City has jumped 11 spots in the overall rankings of the world’s top country brands, from 24th spot last year to 13th.
Idea of the Day: Provide Better Coordination for U.S. Public Diplomacy Work
The Government Accountability Office noted earlier this year that it has repeatedly recommended that State develop an agency-wide plan “to integrate its diverse public diplomacy activities and direct them towards common objectives,” but the department has thus far not followed this recommendation.
Felicia and Brett experience Japanese culture
The pair are part of 240 Australian students selected to stay with Japanese host families, attend Japanese schools and experience a cultural exchange. Brett says the whole idea is to experience Japanese culture while also promoting Australian culture.
Akunyili to Convert Rebranding Campaign to Peoples’ Movement
According to Akunyili, “The Diaspora is being taken care of in concert with Nigerian embassies and high commissions. The message is also being preached through almost 20 million Nigerian citizens, who are showing much enthusiasm about the campaign. These are some of the efforts geared towards making the rebranding campaign a movement, the people’s movement.”
Challenge of the proxies
Naturally there are powers that are not pleased at these developments. They are using a new fifth column through public diplomacy. In this not so open diplomatic game the media is a vital tool in their armoury. That is why we see almost daily articles that speak disparagingly on our foreign policy outlook.
Iranian Leader Continues South American Trip With Bolivia Stop
ranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad continued his three-nation tour of Latin America on Tuesday, signing accords with Bolivian President Evo Morales and pledging mutual cooperation...The Iranian president hopes to strengthen economic ties with the five countries. But, more significantly, he aims to bolster political ties with sympathetic governments as he tries to counter U.S. and European efforts to curtail Iran's nuclear ambitions. Morales and Chavez are strongly opposed to U.S. foreign policy, as is Ahmadinejad.
Voice of America expands audience
Facing a group of presidents loudly critical of Washington, the U.S. government's Voice of America broadcast is expanding its audience in Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador and Nicaragua, VOA officials said...The VOA effort to grow its Latin American audience comes as the Obama administration tries to counter the attacks on U.S. policies by several presidents in the region: Hugo Chávez in Venezuela, Evo Morales in Bolivia, Rafael Correa in Ecuador and Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua.
A Palestinian peace plan Israelis can live with
Ray Hanania is a compassionate and, in fact, delightful person, with rare insight into the aspirations and failings of Palestinians and Israelis. In the eyes of many, that alone ought to disqualify him from consideration as a leader in the Holy Land.
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