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.

The USC Center on Public Diplomacy is pleased to co-sponsor the Association of Public Diplomacy Scholars (APDS) annual conference on the new and traditional frontlines of public diplomacy.

The USC Center on Public Diplomacy, the Association of Public Diplomacy Scholars (APDS) and Universidad Iberoamericana Ciudad de Mexico are pleased to co-sponsor an event, “Emerging from Crisis?

The USC Center on Public Diplomacy was pleased to welcome current Research Fellows, Michele Acuto and Sarah Ellen Graham for a round-table discussion about their current projects.