Multimedia Resources
Kim Ghattas has been the BBC’s State Department correspondent since 2008, and is the author of The Secretary: A Journey with Hillary Clinton from Beirut to the Heart of American Power. Speaking with CPD, she shared her observations on Clinton’s diplomatic style and grace under pressure.
The Goethe Institute has hosted a panel entitled “The Currency of Cultural Diplomacy,” where cultural experts discussed the role of Western cultural institutions in promoting Middle Eastern culture, with a focus on Egypt. The speakers addressed the complex issues that non-state actors encounter when they conduct intercultural diplomacy, including the impact of globalization on artistic production. More fundamentally, the panel considers what the diplomatic responsibilities of international cultural organizations actually are.
This video explores the development of “panda diplomacy,” which began in 1972 when China donated a panda to the Smithsonian in commemoration of President Nixon’s historic visit. Since then, pandas have put a “furry, friendly face” on Sino-American relations. The recent naming of the second American-born panda has reemphasized the importance of panda diplomacy, with U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama remarking that “these remarkable animals stand as a symbol of the growing connections between our two countries.”
In honor of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, former Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Tara Sonenshine moderated a discussion with three young women concerning how international exchange changed their perspectives on disability. Antonia DeMichiel, for example, who studied abroad in Seville, Spain, learned through her exchange to view her disability as a valuable distinction, rather than as a disadvantage to be overcome.
The Broadcasting Board of Governors and Gallup have hosted a research briefing concerning media consumption habits and trends in Mali and Somalia. The organizations’ study revealed that “media use in the Sahel region is flourishing,” with a strong majority of adults in both countries accessing news, primarily by radio, at least once per day. In this video, BBG and Gallup officials discuss how this information can be combined with attitudinal data to refine U.S. broadcasting strategies in Africa.
CPD Conversations presents an interview with Richard Wike, Director of Global Attitudes Research at the Pew Research Center. Wike discusses the differing perspectives of average Americans and foreign policy elites towards China, as well as the historically low trust that Americans have in their Chinese counterparts. Overall, Wike sees reason for optimism concerning Sino-American partnership, as two thirds of Americans view relations with China positively.
The Hague Institute for Global Justice recently hosted a conference entitled “International Water Security and Peace.” In this video, panelist
The Public Diplomacy Council of Catalonia has hosted a virtual panel on city branding, focusing on the case of Barcelona. Place-branding advisor Robert Govers opened the discussion by explaining that city brands are “really about looking at cultural identity,” and suggesting that more generic qualities, such as being open, hospitable, or innovative, will not constitute a competitive brand.