São Paulo’s gay pride has held the record for largest parade since 2006, and this year was no different. Hundred of thousands marched in the streets Sunday, and event organizers claim there were more than 2.5 million people in attendance.

Tags: public diplomacy, lgbt, sao paulo, soft power, Cultural Diplomacy, human rights, brazil, south america, non-state pd

Etihad Airways, a fast-growing Mideast carrier, laid out plans Sunday to offer passengers who find first-class seats a bit too tight a miniature suite featuring a closed-off bedroom, private bathroom and a dedicated butler. It’s just the latest push by airlines worldwide to attract high-spending customers.

Tags: abu dhabi, saudi arabia, soft power, public diplomacy, tourism, middle east, international public relations, Cultural Diplomacy

It is a matter of confidence, credibility and trust. Whatever be the political hue of the next government and whoever its leader, the challenge will be to reinvigorate investor confidence in the political stewardship of the economy, restore the credibility of the executive and rebuild trust in the sanctity of policy and contracts.

Tags: india, public opinion, soft power, public diplomacy, non-state pd, trade diplomacy, foreign investment, south asia, economy

The U.S. and Philippine militaries have launched a large, 10-day, annual military exercise amid increasing tensions in the disputed South China Sea.

Tags: public diplomacy, united states, philippines, china, military diplomacy, government pd, international exchange, southeast asia

The House is moving to overhaul the handful of taxpayer-funded media organizations, but critics say the changes would turn the Voice of America into a tool for pro-western propaganda. Last week, the House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously passed a bill to make “dramatic reforms” to the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), which oversees the government-backed outlets.

Tags: voice of america, broadcasting board of governors, bbg, united states, propaganda, smith-mundt act, public diplomacy, russia today, international broadcasting, media, journalism, radio marti, tv marti, radio free asia, radio free europe, radio liberty, radio free europe/radio liberty, voa, alhurra television, radio sawa, middle east broadcasting networks

David Duckenfield, currently president of Balsera Communications, has been appointed deputy assistant secretary for public affairs at the US Department of State. Duckenfield will lead the State Department's public liaison and domestic outreach efforts and will seek to broaden understanding of American values by communicating with both the American people and global audiences.

Tags: u.s. department of state, public affairs, united states, david duckenfield

So Philippine and American officials formally inked a basing agreement during President Obama’s visit to the archipelago. Rather than reestablish permanent bases, the deal will allow U.S. military units to rotate through three to five Philippine facilities — the details are still being sorted out — and to stage equipment and munitions there for combat and disaster-relief missions. Huzzah!

Tags: united states, china, asia pacific, foreign policy, philippines, hard power, soft power, military diplomacy

The United States urged Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday to stick to its constitution that sets terms limits for the president, as speculation grows that Joseph Kabila may seek a third term. Highlighting an issue that exists in several African countries where leaders have sought to extend their rule beyond constitutional limits, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry pledged $30 million in aid aimed in part at ensuring "credible" elections in 2016.

Tags: united states, africa, democratic republic of the congo, congo, democracy, john kerry, elections, joseph kabila, aid diplomacy, foreign aid