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.
State Department to Twitter: Keep Iranian Tweets Coming
By necessity, the US is staying hands off of the election drama playing out in Iran, and officials say they are not providing messages to Iranians or “quarterbacking” the disputed election process. But they do want to make sure the technology is able to play its sorely-needed role in the crisis, which is why the State Department is advising social networking sites to make sure their networks stay up and running for Iranians to use them and helping them stay ahead of anyone who would try to shut them down.
Britain appoints new “Twitter Czar”
In a quest to move more government services online, the UK government has appointed Andrew Stott as their first director of digital engagement, or simply, their “Twitter Czar.” Andrew will be in charge of moving more of the UK’s public services online and leveraging social media.
Obama’s Iran Puzzle
The election victory of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is likely to complicate US President Barack Obama’s new approach to his country’s conflict with Iran. The reason behind the foreseen obstacle is neither the US nor Iran’s refusal to engage in future dialogue, but rather, Israel’s insistence on a hard-line approach to the problem.
Turkey has Definitely not Lost Interest in EU Membership, FM Davutoglu
"There are common interests between Turkey and Germany and there are not any disagreements between Turkey and Germany. Our countries have deep rooted relations. Germany is Turkey's number one trade partner. We decided on establishing working groups so that the strategic dialogue between Turkey and Germany gets developed," Davutoglu said.
Web Culture Development Urged to Improve with Innovative Spirit
Improved web culture development and management will facilitate bringing into a fuller play the crucial role of the internet in the course of developing China's socialist culture and enhancing the ideological, ethical qualities and scientific and cultural qualities of the entire nation and increasing the country's overall soft power.
PD’s Most Formidable Adversary: The Say-Do Gap
Notwithstanding its many virtues, there are all kinds of possible pitfalls associated with public diplomacy. For starters, PD is done mainly, though not exclusively, by diplomats. Diplomats work for states. States have interests. So when your friendly emissary wants to enjoin you in conversation, it is more likely to be directed rather than free-form. It is almost certain that he or she will be looking for something — a pearl of insight, a gem of intelligence, support for a policy or politician ... something.
Japan’s Ambitious Digital Future
Facing a multiplicity of financial, structural and demographic woes and battered by the decline in Japan's electronics industry the world's second largest economy is praying the dawning of the digital era will help it out of a prodigious hole.
Social Media Allows Reports Despite Tehran’s Curbs
"Thankfully, due to technology, what's happening in Iran is being documented by Iranians," she says by phone from Tehran. Iranians equipped with digital cameras or even just camera phones are creating and sharing footage of developments. Social media sites such as Flickr, Twitter and Facebook have become saturated with material from Iran.
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