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.
Diplomats on Our Internal Matters
As public diplomacy expanded in scope and focus, an ambassador's outreach role also expanded. Besides keeping in touch with various organs of the host government, he found it important to have friendly relations with the local media. He also understood that it was critical to be accepted by the political, intellectual and cultural community of the host country.
Lee Wolverton: Internet complicates war of ideas
Rep. Mac Thornberry wants a piece of the Smith-Mundt Act of 1948 to fall down. So the Republican congressman from Clarendon is the co-sponsor of a bill that would flick into Cold War history a provision prohibiting the State Department from disseminating its overseas propaganda here in the States.
Which African countries have the strongest ‘nation brands’?
“The top ten Most Valuable African Nations are without a question among the most dynamic African nations at the forefront of re-inventing Africa’s image, reputation and competitiveness,” said Thebe Ikalafeng, founder and chairman of Brand Africa.
Philadelphia Orchestra’s residency in China: What’s the goal?
Call it a pilot project, trial balloon, or infomercial, the residency falls under the larger heading of "soft power" that includes importing and exporting films, artists, and music between the two countries. Nowhere does the Philadelphia Orchestra residency embody that more than in Friday’s concert, at which the orchestra will premiere Interrupted Dream by Chinese composer Du Wei.
Disco-ball diplomacy, Absurdistan-style
TONIGHT, 125 million viewers will tune in to see Azerbaijan host the live final of the Eurovision Song Contest, complete with its rainbow following. This will surely make the former Soviet country the most repressive regime ever to actively encourage gay men to come and party
A sigh of relief
The arrival of Chen Guangcheng, a blind Chinese activist, in New York on May 19th marked a quiet resolution to a thorny problem for American diplomacy with China over human rights. It also suggested that, in spite of political tension at the highest levels of the Communist Party, Chinese leaders remain united enough to handle a crucial relationship pragmatically. But compromising with the superpower involves a balancing act at home.
Wu calls for more Sino-Spanish exchanges
Visiting top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo and his Spanish counterpart called for more economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries on Thursday to boost bilateral ties. Wu, chairman of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislative body, said Spain, whose relations with China have sustained nearly four decades, is one of the China's best friends in the European Union.
Latin Festivals Big in Asia
There are two Latin American festivals going on – can you guess where they are? Neither of these festivals are located in Latin America, or even in the United States. Do you give up? The first festival is in its fourth year and takes place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; the second festival is in its sixth year and is happening right now in Seoul, South Korea.
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