A curated selection of public diplomacy-relevant news from a global cross-section of English-language media outlets, including independent, corporate-owned, and state-sponsored sources. The stories featured don't necessarily represent CPD's views nor have they been verified by CPD.
U.S. Music Diplomacy Continues in KK
Kota Kinabalu: The United States Embassy in Kuala Lumpur continued its music diplomacy by bringing in one of America's hottest rock bands – ASIDIC - to entertain music lovers at the Black Box venue at Suria Sabah on Friday. "The U.S. budget is a matter decided by Congress and the State Department and we hope to continue this next year as this is an investment in people (ties)," a spokesman said, when asked if such concerts would fall victim to new President Donald Trump's cost-cutting.
Afrobeats Diplomacy: Using Music as a Potent Diplomatic Tool
In recent years, Nigeria has been in the news for a different reason – its music. With the popularity of young Nigerian musicians internationally, a new generation has a new word association with Nigeria – Afrobeats. As we harness the newfound fondness of Nigerian Entertainment for economic gain both domestically and internationally, we must also see its potential in shaping public opinion and international policy and helping advance Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.
America’s Unlikely Cold War Weapon
As World War II ended, America faced another challenge: the Cold War with the USSR and the Eastern Bloc it influenced. As relations began to freeze, it became clear that nuclear weapons, spies, and the traditional tools of war wouldn’t be enough to fight Soviet hegemony. And so the West, argues Greg Barnhisel, turned to their secret weapon: books.
11th Cyprus-Russia Gala
One of the most important cultural events in Cyprus and one of the most important events related to Russia outside its borders – the 11th Cyprus-Russia Gala – will be held on 15 October 2017 at the Presidential Palace. [...] The event, which brings together artistic, political and business personalities from both countries, is the initiative of Ensemble Productions Ltd, which is proud to work for the 11th year on this cultural experience – a unique opportunity to promote Russian spirit and Cypriot hospitality.
The Real New Diplomacies – Emerging in the East
Both diplomacy and international relations are European constructs, products of the specific contingencies of European history. They dominate global governance not because they are universal concepts, but because of the domination firstly of European powers and then the U.S. As U.S. hegemony declines and a more genuinely multipolar world system emerges, will alternative approaches to diplomacy and global governance also emerge?
Mexico Modern: Art, Commerce, and Cultural Exchange 1920-45
Though Mexico and the U.S. may not have had the most amicable relationship throughout history, one positive cultural phenomenon that came out of their contentious relationship was the emergence of modern Mexican art. The upcoming exhibition “Mexico Modern: Art, Commerce, and Cultural Exchange, 1920–1945” at The University of Texas at Austin not only reveals the cultural exchange between Mexico and the U.S, but also exhibits how Mexican art and design gained international attention.
The Lagos Megachurches Building Their Very Own Cities
Redemption Camp has 5,000 houses, roads, rubbish collection, police, supermarkets, banks, a fun fair, a post office – even a 25 megawatt power plant. In Nigeria, the line between church and city is rapidly vanishing. [...] Hallelujah is the theme for this year’s Holy Ghost convention at one of Nigeria’s biggest megachurches, and all week the word echoes among the millions of people attending.
How Chinese Mulberry Bark Paved the Way for Paper Money
Modern paper money isn't made of paper - it's made of cotton fibres or plastic. And the Chinese money that so fascinated Marco Polo wasn't quite paper either. It was made from a black sheet derived from the bark of mulberry trees, signed by multiple officials and, with a seal smothered in bright red vermillion, authenticated by the Chinese emperor Kublai Khan himself.
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