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 Seeks to Monitor Social Media

The U.S. government aims to watch social media sites more closely, deepening its involvement in online activities at the likely cost of civil liberties.

Tags: public diplomacy, social media, us department of state

The U.S. Department of State and ESPNW Global Sports Mentoring Program

Harnessing the power of mentoring, the Department, in collaboration with espnW, will connect international and American women to build capacity and create sustainable sports opportunities for underserved women and girls worldwide.

Tags: hillary clinton, sports diplomacy, us department of state, smart power, women, espn

Nation-Branding and South Africa

The use of nation-branding by middle power states has continually increased as other nations engaged in the policy experience some success and create a name for themselves in the international community. Nation-branding allows states to distinguish themselves from other nations or create a new image due to negative perceptions of individuals across the world.

Tags: nation branding, public diplomacy, social media, africa, south africa, fifa world cup, middle powers

Global Twitter Q & A with Under Secretary Tara Sonenshine

Using the hashtag #AskState, participants from around the world can simultaneously submit questions and share ideas directly with Under Secretary Sonenshine about U.S. public diplomacy.

Tags: government pd, public diplomacy, social media, us department of state

Five-ring circus

Still, in the unquantifiable world of soft power, hosting an Olympic games is a big deal. Some 100 presidents, princes and other national leaders will flit by London at some point during the games, along with up to 40,000 journalists.

Tags: Cultural Diplomacy, public diplomacy, sports diplomacy, london olympics 2012

Lift the Ban on the Domestic Dissemination of U.S. Propaganda

Last month, the U.S. propaganda industry dodged a bullet. In a naked bid to expose the American public to American diplomacy, two Congressmen—Adam Smith (D-Wash.) and Mac Thornberry (R-Texas)—added an amendment to the House’s version of the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act to end a longtime ban on the domestic dissemination of public diplomacy information prepared by the State Department and the Broadcasting Board of Governors.

Tags: united states, public diplomacy, us department of state

State Department Creates Global Sports Mentor Program for Women

The U.S. State Department joined ESPN’s women’s unit in creating a mentoring program that links emerging international female sports leaders and American women in the same fields.

Tags: public diplomacy, sports diplomacy, us department of state

Mandela’s ‘Bible’ on show at British Museum

A copy of ‘The Complete Works of Shakespeare’ with a favourite passage from ‘Julius Caesar’ that Nelson Mandela inscribed with his signature will be displayed at the British Museum next month. The book is in fact a a copy of The Complete Works of Shakespeare that former Robben Island prisoner Sonny Venkatrathnam kept in his cell. Venkatrathnam disguised its cover with Diwali cards to prevent its seizure by prison authorities. He eventually passed it to 33 of his friends and fellow South African political prisoners, asking them to sign a passage that meant a lot to them.

Tags: Cultural Diplomacy, public diplomacy, nelson mandela

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