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.
Australian Government Spends Too Much on Koala Cuddling
Diplomacy may be an expensive business but the $400,000 cost racked up by the Australian government for foreign diplomats to cuddle koalas and other marsupials is too hefty, the opposition has said.“International diplomacy has a role and soft power is very important, but you’ve to get the balance right. Sometimes this government goes over the top because they don’t care about the money.”
How Russia Views Its 'Compatriots' in the Near Abroad
Russia’s combination of traditional public diplomacy and messaging through media organizations like Russia Today (RT) and Sputnik with disinformation and internet trolls is also important. Moreover, in nearby regions, Russia’s domestic media can serve as a powerful instrument in socializing foreign compatriots into a wider Russian cultural world.
Theater Students Widen Horizons to Santiago, Chile
Ten theater students took their education at Montclair State and extended it to Santiago, Chile over spring break. Thanks to cooperation between the Department of Theater and Dance and the Global Education Center, a handful of students enjoyed an adventure to South America for their mid-semester reprieve. In an intense week that combined sightseeing and theater workshops, a rare and valuable collaboration took place between Montclair State University and Universidad del Mayor.
Radio Provides a Lifeline for Drought-Affected Farmers in Ethiopia
Radio is helping Ethiopian farmers make the best of a bad situation as they deal with the effects of the worst drought in decades, writes Kevin Perkins of Canadian development organization Farm Radio International (FRI).
Trudeau Unveils Canada's Plan to Seek 2021 UN Security Council Seat
Canada is making a bid to take a seat on the United Nations Security Council for a two-year term beginning in 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced today. [...] Noting that Canada last had a seat at the UN Security Council in 2000, Trudeau said "it's time for Canada to step up once again."
U.S. Colleges Look to Recruit More Students From Africa
With an eye on Africa’s youthful population, economic growth and swelling middle-class, the United States has embarked on its first education trade mission to the continent, with 25 universities and colleges. Student recruitment and building partnerships with universities are the goals of the visits to South Africa, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
French Gastronomy in Nepal
French Ambassador Yves Carmona announced in a press conference today the participation of two Nepali restaurants in the Gout de France/Good France event celebrating French gastronomy. “Diplomacy, at all times, has been more effective around a good meal accompanied with fine wines; that creates a more conducive atmosphere for tough discussion,” said Carmona.
China's Growing Presence in The Bahamas
The elephant in the room isn't the strong-arming of Chinese State-Owned Enterprises in The Bahamas but rather their inability to grapple with the culture shock of doing business in the Caribbean region.
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