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.
India’s Role in Afghanistan
Through its provision of education, medical treatment and small-business support, India has projected considerable soft power in Afghanistan. It provides 2,000 scholarships to Afghans annually for schooling and training in India, including for 500 Afghan civil servants.
Flavor, eye appeal help elevate make Thai an ethnic favorite
The Thai government has been educating diners about its country's cuisine for years. In fact, an initiative called Global Thai was launched in 2002 to encourage an appreciation for Thai cuisine around the world.
Keep Faith in Pakistan
If there's one thing the average American and Pakistani can agree on, it's that they don't like each other's countries very much. According to a Pew Global Attitudes survey, only 11% of Pakistanis hold a favorable view of the United States. But they still need each other.
Upgrading Australian democracy for better outcomes
Australia's image and influence in the world depends on the quality of its international strategic thinking, foreign policy making and actions. The dumbing down of democracy is having a detrimental impact on the quality of Australia's foreign policies.
The cucumber scare: Spain absolved of guilt
Rumor of a European vegetable conspiracy, the suggestion that the E. coli epidemic was deliberately engineered to hurt Spanish and/or other European farmers thereby boosting their own agricultural sector, is the direct result of the EU's distorted agricultural policy.
‘Nollywood’ brings home-grown success to Nigeria
Dismissed as low-grade by most Westerners, Nollywood productions are very successful across English-speaking Africa. They are in stark contrast to “embassy films,” African-made movies financed by the French government that rarely reach African audiences.
Kung Fu Panda, a lesson for China’s cultural warriors
The Kung Fu Panda series does not boast remarkable plot lines. In fact, to many critics, it is a plain story coming straight out of the US film assembly line. Its success sheds a light on how to commercialize cultural elements and increase so-called soft power.
India deepens Africa role
China's strength lies in its deep pockets, which are said to have helped it swing deals in its favor. India's advantage lies in public goodwill and Delhi hopes that this and its soft power strategy will help it build sustainable partnerships in Africa.
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