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.
Making Common Cause in Southeast Asia: The Obama Administration
Reinvigoration of US policy in Southeast Asia is an early hallmark of the Obama administration’s foreign policy. Besides the “soft power” boost from Obama’s boyhood ties to the region, there is considerable low-hanging fruit to gather.
China extends “soft power” in Africa
China has strengthened its influence on the African continent, by pledging ten-billion dollars worth of loans, over the next three years. Premier Wen Jiabao told a conference on China-Africa Cooperation at the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh that China will also cancel or relieve the debts of 31 African nations.
What’s in a Name?
For the past several years there has been much talk of public diplomacy which consists of going beyond normal diplomatic channels and speaking directly to the people of a country through radio, television broadcasts, twitter, the internet, or whatever other new devices turn up.
Modern masters of figurative Indian paintings at Met Museum
The Metropolitan Museum of Manila gives viewers a glimpse of various influences that have shaped Indian contemporary art in “Kalapana: 14 Figurative Painters in India in Conversation with Filipino Artists,” which is on view until Jan. 30 at the Upper Galleries, Metropolitan Museum of Manila, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Roxas Blvd., Manila.
The Backlash Against Cultural Diplomacy
As I compile, for my sins (which are many), the Public Diplomacy Press and Blog Review, I have noticed, in recent weeks, a backlash against what is known as "cultural diplomacy," often defined as government-supported promotion of a country's artistic achievements overseas.
Two cheers for the world after the fall of the Berlin Wall
One of the tricks played by time is to turn the incredible into the inevitable. World leaders will gather in Germany tomorrow to deliver sonorous speeches celebrating the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, that pivotal moment at the end of the Cold War when the starkest symbol of the Iron Curtain was physically torn down.
Peace without dialogue? Impossible
Boycott, divest and sanction? I respond, Embrace, invest and encourage. Peace starts among people. Anyone unprepared for honest dialogue with the other is suffering from acute xenophobia. As Black Panther activist Eldridge Cleaver once remarked, "You're either part of the solution or you're part of the problem."
National libraries of Iran and Zimbabwe sign MOU
Iran’s National Library and Archive and the National Archives of Zimbabwe inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for further cooperation on Saturday in Harare. Strengthening bilateral relations with African countries is one of the primary programs of Iran’s government and enhanced cultural ties influence both countries involved in the relationship.
Pages
Visit CPD's Online Library
Explore CPD's vast online database featuring the latest books, articles, speeches and information on international organizations dedicated to public diplomacy.