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.
Fiji: Reality, brand, mirage
Fiji is somehow blessed with a nation-brand that many African nations would kill for. Despite the 2006 coup, Fijian tourism brought in nearly $500 million in 2008, 24% of GDP, more than the nation earned from the next seven industries combined. Fiji Water is now the leading imported bottled water in the US, and represents 20% of Fijian exports and 3% of GDP, benefitting from and reinforcing an image of Fiji as an unspoiled tropical paradise.
Iran: With whom to engage?
Last week, I had the opportunity to address over forty members of the United States Congress with the goal to encourage their recognition of the importance of engaging the Iranian people and their ongoing struggle for human rights and democracy. began my remarks by asking, "If the U.S. is to continue to assert engagement as the path forward in the case of Iran, whom precisely should the engagement be with?" The answer: the "Green Movement" of the Iranian people.
Obama administration adopts Lugar science envoy program
In her speech today at the "Forum of the Future" in Marrakesh, Morocco, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the creation of a U.S. Science Envoy Program which will send three of America's most prominent scientists to travel the world to engage their counterparts, deepen and develop partnerships in all areas of science and technology and to "foster scientific and technical collaboration."
Towards a post-American Europe: A Power Audit of EU-US Relations
In a post-American world, the United States knows it needs effective partners. If Europe cannot step up, the US will look for other privileged partners to do business with. Yet the report reveals that a large majority of EU member states still believe they enjoy a ‘special relationship' with the US and compete for access and favour as if the transatlantic relationship remained the dominant foreign policy paradigm in Washington.
The Opportunity of the Obama Era: Can Civil Society Help Bridge Divides between the United States an
Like never before, the 21st century has seen varied and distinct peoples, nations, religions, and ideologies thrust together through dramatic interconnections in economic trade, the media, and the internet. Governments, citizens, and civil society groups from regions that previously had little interaction are suddenly finding themselves connected, whether they like it or not.
We must not neglect the outposts of Empire
What should be done with the remnants of Empire? A series of pinpricks across the globe, 14 islands and territories still remain British and fiercely loyal to the Crown. But almost every one is deeply unhappy at today’s treatment by the mother country. They feel abandoned, forgotten, former strategic assets that are now seen in Whitehall as costly liabilities.
Asians to see if Obama was worth the wait
Come the middle of this month, almost all the key players of Asia will meet in Singapore at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which will include other Pacific leaders plus U.S. President Barack Obama...Southeast Asians have shown a renewed openness toward American leadership, and Obama has a chance to propose meaningful initiatives that would resonate regionally.
Big Names From Hollywood on Obama’s Arts Committee
"Sex and the City" star Sarah Jessica Parker, Oscar winner Forest Whitaker and talent agent Bryan Lourd were among big Hollywood names named on Monday as members of U.S. President Barack Obama's Committee on Arts and the Humanities. The panel focuses on arts and humanities education, cultural diplomacy, economic revitalization through the arts and humanities and special events.
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