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.
Murray native, Fulbright Scholar receives award for Public Diplomacy
Rachael Williams, Murray High School alum and current Fulbright Scholar in South Korea, recently received an award for Public Diplomacy in Seoul, South Korea. U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Sung Kim presented the award at the conclusion of a three-day Youth Diplomacy Program. Williams has coordinated the program since 2010.
Culture shock: mending Australia’s fractured relationship with India
Australia’s federal and state governments, and its universities, have the most crucial role to play in ensuring that the nation’s engagement with India is genuine. I am not discounting the importance of the economic/trade motivation that underlies a large portion of our current efforts, but this needs to be accompanied by cultural openness.
Namibia: Embassy Helps Promote Spanish Language
The Embassy of Spain officially launched the Spanish club "Que Pas" at the University of Namibia, last week. Que Pas is an initiative of Spanish students at the university and aims to promote the Spanish language while promoting the exchange of cultural experiences, solidarity, good learning relationships and good bilateral ties between Spain and Namibia.
U.S. reins in J-1 visas for China’s soft power Confucius Institutes
Though not specifically indicated, it is not hard to draw an analogy between Beijing’s 100-day campaign in the capital to crack down on “illegal” foreign employers who are working on the wrong visas and Washington’s new policy directive on the regulation of visas held by Chinese teachers at Confucius Institutes.
Clinton: U.S. emphasizing ‘smart power’
Speaking to an audience of special operations force leaders from around the globe, and those who provide the tools they need, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the State Department is working to mimic the "smart power" that's become the hallmark of special ops.
U.S. Department of State Announces Basketball Envoy Program in Venezuela
Sports diplomacy builds on Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s vision of “smart power,” embracing the full range of diplomatic tools, including sports, to bring individuals together to foster greater understanding.
India needs to project soft power
...China has rediscovered its ancient culture and traditions. Confucius enjoys a remarkable renaissance. All around the world, China has established Confucius Institutes that spread knowledge about China’s culture and its language. Soft power is not an esoteric asset. It helps a country gain respect and friends in the world at large. And, this can be of great importance, particularly in turbulent times.
Buying a Piece of America: Why Chinese Shoppers Love U.S. Brands
The Chinese, on the other hand, are fascinated by America, although often perplexed by its inherent contradictions. The United States is both free and unfair, creative and fashion challenged (some Chinese describe blue button-down shirts and khaki pants as our uniform), sporty and grossly overweight, institutionally robust and politically dysfunctional, individualistic and self-deluded (they love to laugh at narcissistic, talent-free American Idol contestants). They are amazed that a nation of 300 million self-starters does not come apart at the seams.
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