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.

NAM Science Ministers to Meet in Tehran

Representatives from 58 countries and international organizations, as well as 31 science ministers from the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) states will meet in Tehran on Sunday. The meeting, hosted by the Iranian Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, will continue until Tuesday.
 

Tags: nam science ministries, non-aligned movement, iran, education, technology, tehran, international exchange

Clouds Hang Over International Aid Plan for Ukraine

As conflict persists in the east, the massive financial lifeline pledged by the international community is rife with uncertainties, especially linked to the country's debt. Strangled by 10 months of deadly fighting between government forces and pro-Russia separatists, Ukraine's backers have proposed a new $40 billion, four-year deal to support government finances and combat a severe recession.

Tags: international aid, ukraine, russia, pro-russia separatists, recession, economic aid

Japan Rewrites Foreign Aid Rules to Include Military Assistance

The Japanese government announced last week that it would provide aid for the first time to foreign militaries through its Official Development Assistance (ODA) program. The move is part of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s aggressive diplomatic efforts to build Japanese influence and ties, particularly in Asia, on all levels, including military.

Tags: japan, international aid, military assistance, asia, asean, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, diplomacy, development

Zimbabwe: USAID Eyes U.S $21 Million War Chest

The United States Agency for International Development has requested $21,8 million to fund political activities in Zimbabwe for 2016, including availing money to the civil society's agenda to "hold Government accountable". Information at hand indicates that some of the countries to receive the money in Sub-Saharan Africa besides Zimbabwe are South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Liberia and Somalia.

Tags: zimbabwe, usaid, public diplomacy, conflict, food security, economic growth, democracy, funding, development, international aid, sub-saharan africa, somalia, democratic republic of the congo, south sudan

Dispute Over Iran’s Nuclear Program Arrives in the Halls of a U.S. University

This month, the University of Massachusetts, Amherst stopped admitting Iranian citizens to its science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. (...) After consultation with the State Department, the university announced this week that it has reversed its decision.

Tags: iran, united states, nuclear talks, university of Massachusetts, international students, STEM programs, international exchange, us state department

Twitter Can’t Tame Terrorism

Progressives who believe that dialogues, conversations, engagements, conferences and summits are keys to pacifying the world have a peculiar solemnity about using certain words that are potentially insensitive. This mentality is perhaps especially acute in digitally drenched people who believe that Twitter and other social media have the power to tame turbulent reality.

Tags: twitter, social media, terrorism, richard stengel, counterterrorism, obama administration, semantics, islamic extremism, digital diplomacy

Notice of Meeting: U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy

The Commission Members will hear about U.S. Public Diplomacy and International Broadcasting Efforts in Eastern Europe and welcome Mark Toner, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Diplomacy in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs and Macon Phillips, Coordinator of the Bureau of International Information Programs, at the State Department. 

Tags: public diplomacy, us state department, international broadcasting, mark toner, eastern europe, macon phillips, information

State Department Doubles Down On Anti-ISIS Messaging

Efforts to combat ISIS propaganda have been unified under a newly expanded State Department center. Kelly McEvers speaks with Richard Stengel, undersecretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs, about the challenge that new center is tasked with.

Tags: public diplomacy, richard stengel, united states, isis, propaganda

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.