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.
Syria can prove that sanctions do work
Now is the moment for the cynics to drop their all-or-nothing criticism of sanctions, and to see them instead as a limited but useful tool. Because of their value in signalling and soft power; because they are often the only relatively inexpensive policy option; and because smart sanctions can be applied flexibly, they remain an important policy instrument.
Uncomfortable Ottomans
The AKP argued that establishing ties with the Muslim populations around Turkey would endow Ankara with soft power. But the plan had a flaw: In undemocratic states like Syria and Libya, Ankara was not expanding its relationships with the people, but with brutal leaders such as Bashar al-Assad and Muammar al-Qaddafi.
Belgrade Erects Statue To Former Azerbaijani President
Statues of Heydar Aliyev -- the leader of Soviet Azerbaijan from 1969 to 1982 and president of Azerbaijan from 1993 to 2003 -- have already been erected in Bucharest and Kyiv at the behest of Azerbaijani authorities, who often make large financial donations to the accepting cities or countries.
Inside China
Writing in the current issue of the Beijing-based Public Diplomacy Quarterly, Gen. Xiong said the phrase in question is “taoguangyanghui,” widely translated in the West as “hide our capabilities; bide our time.” [It] has taken on monumental significance because it has become China’s national policy of global diplomacy and international strategy since Deng Xiaoping announced it in the late 1980s.
U.S. Department of State & National Basketball Association Announce NBA & WNBA stars travel to Haiti
Sports diplomacy builds on Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s vision of “smart power diplomacy.” It embraces the use of a full range of diplomatic tools, including sports, to bring individuals together to foster greater understanding.
Microsoft, PIN to Host NGO Academy
"...Building on Microsoft's support to NGOs around the world, the Microsoft NGO Connection Day Nigeria 2011 will help fill a huge gap that will improve organizational efficiency while also helping many non-profits save cost," PIN's Executive Director, Mr. 'Gbenga Sesan, said.
Huawei, Safaricom in varsities skills pact
Three leading Kenyan universities have partnered with Safaricom and telecoms solutions provider Huawei, in a move that will increase the skills of engineering students being churned out of the institutions.
Support Continued Voice of America Broadcasting to China
Unless Congress steps in, there is a real danger that a strategic asset of great value to the United States and to freedom-loving listeners around the world will be wasted. The battle for hearts and minds did not end with the Cold War (which broadcasting can help win, by the way). Far from it.
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