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.

Indonesia to Implement National Branding After Low Ranking

The government will create a national brand to lift the country’s image in the global arena in order to boost its economic earnings, an official from the presidential office has said. “Indonesia’s image is still low compared to other countries,” Sumartono Darmanto, deputy senior advisor for analysis and oversight of strategic issues on economic affairs at the Presidential Office, during a focus group discussion on Thursday in Jakarta. 

Tags: indonesia, nation branding, Nation Image, government pd, good country index, sweden, denmark

China’s Experiment in Djibouti

China and Djibouti have had diplomatic relations since January 8, 1979, but China’s footprint in the small country has only become ubiquitous over the last few years. Since 2012-2013, Beijing has firmly taken roots in Djibouti through numerous multibillion infrastructure projects [...] Beijing gives utmost importance to its relations with Djibouti.

Tags: china, djibouti, africa, government pd, smart & soft power, diplomatic relations, strategic partnership, trade

Reflections on the Power of Cultural Diplomacy in Cuba

There have been wonderful, detailed accounts of this historic visit, and its function (cultural diplomacy), nature (friendly and collaborative), and outcomes (artistic and financial commitments), so I won't rehash those here. What I'll focus on instead is the immeasurable component of art itself in the rebuilding of relationships at a people-to-people level. 

Tags: united states, cuba, Cultural Diplomacy, art, people to people diplomacy, havana, music, dance, bilateral relations

Global Powers to Pledge $3bn in Annual Development Aid for Afghanistan

Global powers are on track at a conference today in Brussels to pledge more than $3bn in annual development aid to Afghanistan until 2020 as the war-ravaged country struggles to spur economic growth. [...] The objective is to maintain international support for Afghanistan 

Tags: brussels, global aid & development, afghanistan, economic development, european union, united states, john kerry

Facebook Rolls Out Pared Down Messenger App for Emerging Markets

Facebook Inc launched a stripped down version of its popular Messenger app for emerging markets on Monday as it seeks to expand its international footprint. Messenger Lite, which uses less data and is designed to work in areas with slower internet connections, will roll out in Kenya, Tunisia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Venezuela. Facebook said it will expand to other countries in the coming months.

Tags: facebook, emerging markets, non state pd, digital diplomacy & new tech, internet access, free basics, mark zuckerberg

How Entrepreneurship Can Help Achieve World Peace

The gig economy is alive and well, and disruptive innovation has empowered many to earn money driving for Uber or by monetizing their home as an AirBnB rental. But there is a deeper value and sustainable role in the start-up and entrepreneurship culture that is impacting the global landscape more than you may have considered.

Tags: entrepreneurship, start-up, non state pd, security, global aid & development, united states, africa, asia

Diaspora Exhibition Traveling to Portugal

The relocation of the exhibition marks the next stage in the cooperation agreement established between the MSAR and the Macau Scientific and Cultural Center of Portugal’s Ministry of Education and Science, which aims to provide a platform for Chinese and Portuguese cultural exchange. The exhibition showcases a selection of over 100 records that illustrate the historical background of the Macau diaspora around the world.

Tags: portugal, macau, china, Cultural Diplomacy, cultural exchange, global food security, art, bilateral relations, cooperation

Propaganda and Censorship Remain China’s Favoured Tools

Despite China’s economic progress, the latest developments suggest its leaders still believe that propaganda and censorship are its two main tools of rule. Sadly, such leftist campaigns to curb free speech and the free flow of information will ultimately constrain China’s development, which today depends on technological advancement, creativity and innovation.

Tags: china, censorship, propaganda, media censorship, media, economic prosperity, innovation, government pd, free media

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