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.
The Good, the Bad and the Questionable
The Pentagon announced earlier this week that it had disbanded its office of public diplomacy – the successor to Rumsfeld’s controversial Office of Strategic Influence which was officially “closed” – for excellent reasons - due to Congressional pressure shortly after it was opened.
I Have Nothing Against Judith McHale!
I hope that McHale is confirmed quickly and can get to work. And I want her to prove me wrong and emerge as an effective advocate for public diplomacy and serious global engagement.
Pakistan Loses 2011 World Cup
International Cricket Council (ICC) strips Pakistan of hosting rights for the 2011 World Cup because of the 'uncertain security situation' in the country...Pakistan was due to co-host the event with India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
Obama Defends Cuba Measures, Urges Reciprocation from Havana
I think what you saw was a good-faith effort, a show of good faith on the part of the United States that we want to recast our relationship [with Cuba]," said Obama...He acknowledged that 50 years of frozen relations will not thaw overnight."But we do expect that Cuba will send signals that they are interested in liberalizing in such a ways that, not only U.S.-Cuban relations improve, but so that the energy and creativity and initiative of the Cuban people can potentially be released.
Friends of Pakistan Express Support to Strengthen Pakistan
The Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP) expressed full support towards enhancement of Pakistan’s inherent strength and capacity to help meet its current economic and security challenges...[and] recognized the need for Pakistan’s strategy for public diplomacy to attract further support for and solidarity with the people and government of Pakistan.
Clinton to hold digital town hall
Clinton has continued efforts to harness social-media technologies to promote public diplomacy. For example, Alec Ross, known for innovative uses of social technology, recently started at State as a senior adviser.
Kosovo: Where Hearts were Won in the Balkans
As President Obama’s charm and “change” ramps up American soft power in Europe – here’s a tiny corner of the Continent where enthusiasm for the “USA” never left...In Kosovo, American styles, films, and symbols are bolted in hearts and minds.
Perfect Pitch
Rhythm Road, a programme run by the State Department and a non-profit organisation, Jazz at Lincoln Centre, has made informal diplomats out of both musicians and audiences...expect funding for the initiative to increase under Barack Obama, who pledged his support for cultural diplomacy during his campaign.
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