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.
RIP, AFRICOM?
If steep Congressional cuts to Africa Command, aka AFRICOM, hold -- and if the command can't make its purpose clearer to skeptical Congresscritters -- then the newest regional command may be dead before it ever really gets started.
Bollywood duets with the west
Formerly confined to an ethnic niche, Bollywood films and music are gaining currency with more non-Indians overseas. Indian film companies claim their revenues are growing strongly in foreign markets.
US Diplomat To Be Appointed As New UN Envoy To Western Sahara
The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is poised to appoint in the next few days US diplomat Mr. Christopher Ross as his new personal envoy to Western Sahara, UN sources revealed here Thursday.
China May Leave Media Doors Ajar
With the Olympic spotlight on China fading, speculation is increasing about whether controls on foreign journalists, relaxed in the lead-up to the Games, will be allowed to expire next month. Asked on Tuesday whether the regulations would expire next month, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said: "I think when the time comes, we will tell everyone what the arrangement will be. But I want to reiterate to everyone that the spirit of opening up will continue."
McCain, Obama largely agree on anti-terror issues
Both say more troops are needed to quell a rapidly intensifying insurgency in Afghanistan and support a larger military force overall. They say a fresh approach is needed to capture Osama bin Laden and deal with the growing terrorist activity in Pakistan. They pledge to stop the torture of terrorism suspects. They vow to engage in more public diplomacy and "soft power" tactics that emphasize winning the hearts and minds of those leaning toward extremism and anti-American beliefs. And they want to sharply curb nuclear proliferation.
All countries in BBC poll prefer Obama to McCain
All 22 countries in a BBC World Service poll would prefer Democratic nominee Barack Obama to be elected US president instead of his Republican rival John McCain. Obama is preferred by a four to one margin on average across the 22,000 people polled. The margin in favour of Obama ranges from just 9% in India to 82% in Kenya. On average 49% prefer Obama to 12% preferring McCain.
The Eastern Arms Race : Diplomacy in question
Rudd was also quoted as saying that Australia could not carry on banking in on the ideology that there will be a never-ending cooperation within Asia Pacific countries. What Rudd's statement basically signals is that there seems to be an erosion in the use of soft power and diplomacy within the Asia Pacific region. With the budget increase in defense and the cut in cultural diplomacy, the question that arises is; 'In the dawn of countries stock-piling their weapons for 'just-in-case' scenarios, is soft power faltering as a tool for international cooperation?'
Europeans Back Obama but Not Necessarily His Policies
'TRANSATLANTIC TRENDS' SURVEY 2008: According to a major survey, Europeans want the Democrats to win back the White House this year. But Barack Obama's positions on Iran's nuclear program and Afghanistan are not widely supported in Europe, and the huge European interest in the election may not translate into closer trans-Atlantic ties.
Pages
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.