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.
Jamaican, Japanese cultures merge at Medallion Hall
The Percy Junor Cultural Group performed traditional songs. There were also performances by Shaneika Leachman and the Harmonizer Mento Band. Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica, Hiroshi Yamaguchi, surprised the audience when he played the violin. His act was well received. There was also the singing of the Sukiyaki song to end the show. Afterwards, the guests were treated to Jamaican and Japanese cuisine.
Some key Obama administration jobs still unfilled
Success in Iraq and Afghanistan depends partly on aid delivered to civilians, says Andrew Natsios, who headed the U.S. Agency for International Development from 2001 to 2005. The agency provides humanitarian and economic aid in countries dealing with disaster, poverty and democratic reform efforts. "Not having a political appointee and a team behind that appointee is having a disastrous effect on morale," Natsios says.
Kenya: President Praises China for Support
Lot to learnThe President noted that Kenya and other African countries have a lot to learn from the industrialisation and economic development of China. He commended the increased commercial exchanges through the joint Trade and Economic Commission.
Obama soon heads to Singapore during ASEAN summit: yet another chance to open doors.
This coming weekend, President Obama will be heading overseas to meet in Singapore with the prime minister of Myanmar, Thein Sein...this latest diplomatic endeavor by the President is steeped in symbolism and acknowledgment on behalf of the administration that US-Asia relations, both in terms of economics and security, will be a defining characteristic of the twenty-first century.
America and the Middle East in a New Era
I've learned that a little humility goes a long way in the exercise of American power and purpose in the Middle East. We come by that humility honestly, through many trials and many errors...I've learned that America can lead more effectively through the power of our example than through the power of our preaching.
The laws that stain Britain’s good name
Britain is a pariah state, shunned by its allies and exploited by the unsavoury. The state of English libel laws (Scotland’s provisions are a little better) is so embarrassing that a number of US states have enacted legislation to protect their citizens from our courts. London is the global centre of libel tourism. From Middle Eastern potentates to Russian oligarchs, the rich and powerful use our legal system to bully people who try to hold them to account.
Enough concessions on Taiwan
Through the 37-year history of U.S.-China engagement, the U.S. has consistently retreated in the war of semantics on Taiwan. The U.S. has been unable to muster points against the steel wall of one-party dictatorship. They lost inch by inch every time. However, each time, the Americans reassured the public that the U.S. position hadn't changed.
The Failure of the “Diplomatic” Argument
Modern-day conduct of foreign affairs heavily depends on communication, especially when it comes to public diplomacy and non-traditional warfare. After all, it’s about perception management and “manufacturing consent,” be it domestic, or within a foreign public: control over info. That’s the key.
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