Jared Cohen and Eric Schmidt have teamed up to write the newest book on digital diplomacy titled The New Digital Age. The book illustrates the interconnectedness of the digital world and how it impacts global affairs. Specifically, looking at how foreign governments view the flow of information and what that means for international and domestic societies. In this interview conducted by NPR, Schmidt and Cohen discuss the issues of privacy and security worldwide in the digital era.

The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation hosted a Google Hangout on the Practical Challenges for the Future of Public Diplomacy. The panelists include Syracuse University Professor, Guy Golan, Director of Communications and External Affairs at the Broadcasting Board of Governors, Lynne Weil, and Master of Public Diplomacy Alumni and Senior Policy Analyst at the American Security Project, Matthew Wallin. The panelists discussed a diverse practices of public diplomacy from international broadcasting and social media to nation branding.

The Director of the USC Center on Public Diplomacy Professor Philip Seib, gave a talk at Chatham House on Real-Time Diplomacy: Politics and Power in the Social Media Era. Professor Seib began by describing the shift from conventional to real-time diplomacy, explaining that in the digital age diplomacy itself is changing. Additionally, Seib used case studies of Egypt and Tunisa to illustrate the speed at which news and media travels in real-time. After the talk, he took questions about various changes in technology and what it means for the future of public diplomacy.

The United States Department of State has created a new and innovative public diplomacy tool to engage youth from around the world. The online computer program, Trace Effects, transports youth from their home country to various cities and regions throughout the U.S., while learning English. The objective of the program is to engage global youth on a platform that they regularly use as a way to foster mutual understanding.

During President Obama’s recent trip to Israel, the country seized the opportunity to use social media as a tool to enhance their public diplomacy. Deputy Director of the Ministry of Public Diplomacy, Daniel Seamann, advocates that social media is one way that citizens can express their views about Israel and share their perspective and values with the world. New Media Director, Eddie Fraiman created a center during the Obama visit where Israeli citizens could come and post messages on various social media outlets.

Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Tara Sonenshine was recently featured on Press Conference USA, a program on Voice of America. Under Secretary Sonenshine discussed the important role that public diplomacy plays in foreign policy. She responded to various questions from PCUSA listeners. Specifically, she answered questions on how the United States can engage with the Muslim world, China’s soft power and its growth within Africa, and U.S. relations with Iran.

In honor of International Women’s Day Amnesty International, the Gender and Development Network, and Christian Aid hosted the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for International Development, Justine Greening. Secretary Greening stated that she wants to provide women and girls with “choice, voice and control.” Additionally, Greening stated that she plans to help to ensure the rights of women within Afghanistan making it a priority for the Department of International Development.

While the United States has always been a strong proponent of sending American musicians abroad, a new Center Stage Initiative from the U.S. Department of State will bring international artists to the U.S. Noori, a rock band from Pakistan played with great success for over a thousand people at the Kennedy Center. The Center Stage Initiative will bring 10 different musical groups from Pakistan, Haiti and Indonesia to 60 American cities across 22 states.