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.

Soft Power is Key to Iran’s Success

While much is made of Iran’s hard power, the recent nuclear deal hints at the prospect of the country’s untapped soft power being far more central to its long-term success in the 21st century. As the 13th-century Persian poet, Jalal ad- Din Muhammad Rumi, wrote: “Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.”

Tags: iran, smart & soft power, international image, nuclear deal, middle east, history & theory, cooperation

School Radio to Promote Voice of Youth

It is with an aim to provide a platform to the youth to voice their opinion on a cross-section of topics and to enhance their soft skills, the unique concept of School Radio – an online radio for schools, colleges and universities – was developed by Digital School in association with Vikasa Dhatri. 

Tags: amis people, non state pd, education, india, council of indigenous peoples, digital diplomacy & new tech, youth empowerment

Pakistan-China to Initiate Cultural Collaboration

As part of the efforts to further expand bilateral relationship between Pakistan and China under the multi-billion dollars CPEC, the two countries are planning to launch China Pakistan Cultural Corridor (CPCC) to bring the peoples of two countries more closely together.

Tags: pakistan, china, bilateral relations, Cultural Diplomacy, forced from home, cultural exchange

The Cold War Is Over. The Cyber War Has Begun.

Contemplating Russian nuclear threats during the Cold War, the strategist Herman Kahn calibrated a macabre ladder of escalation, with 44 rungs ranging from “Ostensible Crisis” to “Spasm or Insensate War.” In the era of cyberwarfare that’s now dawning, the rules of the game haven’t yet been established with such coldblooded precision. That’s why this period of Russian-American relations is so tricky. The strategic framework that could provide stability hasn’t been set.

Tags: Digital Diplomacy & New Technology, cyberwarfare, cybersecurity, u.s.-russian relations, russia, u.s., united states, cold war, op-ed

Does Africa Really Need a New Brand?

Several African countries have jumped on the brandwagon and included nation branding in their national development program. The Brand Africa initiative, intergenerational movement to create a positive image of Africa, celebrate its diversity and drive its competitiveness, was launched in 2010.

Tags: africa, nation branding, Nation Image, globalization, congo, maori language, diasporas

US Chef Says Food Connects Cultures

Tafoya is a personal chef who has been in the business for almost fourteen years. Right now, he is in Kathmandu for two weeks upon the invitation of US Embassy for their culinary diplomacy program. “I’m here to promote American culture by sharing my knowledge about American food,” said Tafoya. 

Tags: US, Cultural Diplomacy, culinary diplomacy, gastrodiplomacy, international exchange, non-state pd

Culture Trumps Politics with Modern Arab Art Show in Iran

Modern art by Arab artists will take over the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art (TMoCA) this November. [...] Given the political tensions in the region, the exhibition marks a significant moment of cultural diplomacy between Tehran and Sharjah. “Art is important in that it allows experiences to be shared, even across the boundaries of language or culture,” said the director of TMoCA

Tags: university of toronto, iran, Cultural Diplomacy, arab art, muslim, art diplomacy, language and culture

Social Network Diplomacy

The use of social networks to reach the public needs to be prioritised by the Vietnamese government and related agencies, especially during a period where the country is increasingly integrating into the global community.

Tags: social networks, French Embassy, social media, twitter, facebook, Digital Diplomacy & New Technology, vietnam, hanoi

Pages

Stay in the Know

Public Diplomacy is a dynamic field, and CPD is committed to keeping you connected and informed about the critical developments that are shaping PD around the world. 

Depending on your specific interests, you can subscribe to one or more of CPD's newsletters >.

Visit CPD's Online Library

Explore CPD's vast online database featuring the latest books, articles, speeches and information on international organizations dedicated to public diplomacy.