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.

Study Praises Canada's Digital Diplomacy

Canada is among a small group of countries that have Twitter accounts for most of their embassies and missions, a global study revealed Wednesday. The study, called Twiplomacy and conducted by the public relations firm Burson-Marsteller, looked at the use of the microblogging site by heads of state and by governments and ministers of foreign affairs.

Tags: canada, digital diplomacy, twitter, obama, twiplomacy, prime minister, social media

World Cup: Biting incident mars Uruguay's win over Italy

Faced with a smothering and frustrating Italian defense in a must-win World Cup game Tuesday, the Uruguayan superstar responded with his front teeth. The incident, visible on television replays and circulating on the Internet, showed Suarez apparently bite the shoulder of Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini as the pair clashed in the Italian penalty area. The apparent chomp happened in an instant, but became a worldwide sensation and could lead to Suarez being kicked out of the World Cup.

Tags: italy, uruguay, FIFA 2014 world cup, british media, sports diplomacy

Breaking the Law to Go Online in Iran

Numerous reports indicate that Iranian authorities restrict access to thousands of American and European websites, particularly those of international news sources, and even throttle down Internet connections to limit the ability of Iranians to surf the rest of the Web. Here at the Voice of America Persian Service, we are familiar with this situation firsthand.

Tags: internet censorship, internet freedom, iran, middle east, social media, international broadcasting, minister of culture, voice of america persian service

Firewall for Bolly Diplomacy against Copyright Questions - India Seeks Film Screening Rights after Jjbes from Foreign Envoys

India’s foreign policy establishment, which counts Bollywood as a key aide in spreading the nation’s footprint globally, is readying to pay the film industry back — literally — to stave off embarrassing jibes and potential litigation. The foreign ministry is purchasing the rights for India’s embassies and consulates to screen 25 popular Bollywood films after some diplomats, including at least two foreign envoys, pointed out that the legality of screenings by missions at present is dubious.

Tags: india, bollywood, public diplomacy, Cultural Diplomacy, india foreign ministry

Soccer Diplomacy at the FIFA World Cup: Cross-Cultural Relations Redefined on the Pitch

Steven Beitashour had only ever been to Iran twice as a child when he boarded a plane to Tehran as a 26-year-old to play soccer. Last October, he formally joined the Iranian national soccer team in preparation for the country's fourth appearance on soccer's largest stage.

Tags: americas, middle east, FIFA 2014 world cup, brazil, iran, U.S. football diplomacy, soccer diplomacy, Iranian soccer team, Beitashour

Cultural Projects Across the Aegean Bring Greece, Turkey Closer Together

Social and cultural exchanges across the Aegean Sea are bridging the gap between Greece and Turkey.  A recent joint project by two photography groups was the latest in a decades-long series of cultural collaborations that experts say are important for providing political leaders with the impetus to resolve differences.

Tags: greece, turkey, Cultural Diplomacy, cultural relations, cultural exchange, photography, art

9 Apps for Learning Japanese, the Soft Powerhouse

There are plenty of reasons to learn Japanese. For one, the Japanese are Kings of "Soft Power", or cultural influence. The internet, videogames and children's cartoons are heavily influenced by the cute, cuddly touch of Japanese heritage. While some of this reaches us, it is only the tip of the iceberg.

Tags: japan, language diplomacy, soft power, new technology, Cultural Diplomacy, social media, digital diplomacy

Tang Prize Showcases Taiwan’s Soft Power

There is no question that the prize is a valuable initiative showcasing Taiwan’s soft power and desire to make the world a better place. In providing a platform where exceptional international minds can come together and participate in meaningful dialogue, the prize is addressing new challenges of the modern world by combining millennium-old wisdom of the East with the cutting-edge technology of the West.

Tags: taiwan, soft power, human rights, democracy, education

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