Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan, Mexico's former Ambassador to the United States, will be in residence as the 2013-14 CPD Distinguished Fellow. He spoke about a history of perceptions and realities in the Mexico-US relationship, and the implications for public diplomacy engagement.

The Cyrus Cylinder, a 2,500-year-old object discovered in ancient Babylon, is considered by many to be the first declaration of human rights. This unique artifact, part of the British Museum collection, continues to excite the imagination of different peoples from around the world.

Dr. Bernd Fischer, German Consul General in Los Angeles, discussed an innovative program, spearheaded by the German government, that provides American youth from low-income backgrounds with training, associate degrees, and jobs for life in the U.S.-based German manufacturing plants. It offered an illustrative case of what the business community can do to enhance international understanding while improving the bottom line.

The USC Center on Public Diplomacy and USC Annenberg School of Journalism were pleased to host a conversation with Kim Ghattas, the BBC’s State Department correspondent since 2008 and author of “The Secretary: A Journey with Hillary Clinton from Beirut to the Heart of American Power,” released in March 2013.

These days many celebrities are engaged in advocacy work, particularly having to do with global humanitarian issues. But who was the first such "celebrity-diplomat?" How has celebrity involvement changed the practice of diplomacy? Professor Ira Wagman of Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada traced the origins of the phenomenon and offered a historical context for the efforts of today's A-list advocates.

Countries, large and small, increasingly recognize the centrality of image and reputation in their foreign relations. Dr. Naren Chitty visited the USC Center on Public Diplomacy to discuss the challenges facing contemporary public diplomacy practices and the ethical use of soft power in building relations between nations and communities.

Has the global view of the United States improved in recent years? Do people around the world see the dominant superpower as a partner to their country? How do they perceive American culture, ideas, economic aid, and drone missile strikes? Is President Barack Obama still popular with many people around the world? Dr. Richard Wike discussed the latest global attitudes poll that were conducted in 38 countries on America's image abroad.

The year 2013 marks the eighth annual Summer Institute in Public Diplomacy. This innovative, collaborative two-week training program run by the USC Center on Public Diplomacy at the Annenberg School allows professionals to immerse themselves in the increasingly critical study of public diplomacy.