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.
For South Korea, Image is Everything
In the world popularity contest, South Korea feels a little like the ugly duckling that wants everyone to know it's really a swan. Citizens flinch at hearing their country ridiculed as a place where politicians throw punches. They despair over a recent poll of foreigners in which 4 in 10 cited the nation's lack of "charm."
Saudi-US fest draws to a close
The festival, which was held at Taif’s Intercontinental Hotel, included various exhibitions and workshops including a “Study in America” booth, information about visas and commercial opportunities, art workshops for youth, photography and art exhibitions.
Glassman and “beyond violent extremism”
Former Under-Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Jim Glassman responds to my remarks on Thursday about the need to expand the "war of ideas" conception beyond combatting violent extremism.
Pebble in the Ocean
The panel discussion sponsored by the Washington Institute last week (see below) lasted about an hour and a half, but it could have gone on much longer. There were still many questions to hash out among Marc Lynch, Rob Satloff, and me (not to mention the distinguished audience). In his blog yesterday, Marc raises a matter that would have disputed spiritedly if I had had the time (or space).
Jewish-Arab Duo Face Eurovision Discord
Mira Awad has been chosen to represent Israel in this year's Eurovision Song Contest, alongside a Jewish performer. But increasing tensions in the Middle East since Israel's war on Gaza in January, have left the singer caught up in a very public row among Israel's one million-strong Arab minority. But increasing tensions in the Middle East since Israel's war on Gaza in January, have left the singer caught up in a very public row among Israel's one million-strong Arab minority.
Red Cross Launches Campaign for Better World
The launch of the campaign, called “Our world, Your move” coincides with the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Solferino, in Italy, which led to the creation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent...“So, in the spirit of that, we are also trying to show people that individuals can make a big difference. So, in a sense, what we are doing is looking at today’s Solferino, today’s battlefield, today’s challenges. We are saying that just like 150 years ago, one person can make a difference and together we can actually make a move to make our world a better place,” she said.
English Radio Service to Go on Air in Major Cities
Since its launch, two more English-only stations have been established in Busan (Busan e-FM) and Gwangju (GFN), in March and April. And three more are to open this year in Ulsan, Daejeon and Daegu, meaning people in the country's seven major cities will have access to English-only radio. Chronic complaints from foreign nationals over a lack of local information are a key reason for their establishment. In May last year, the government responded by prioritizing the creation of English-language radio stations, with the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) implementing the plan.
How to Boost Korea’s Brand
According to a new book, Korea's national brand is in dire need of a boost. Professor Keith Dinnie of the Japan campus at Temple University recently gave a seminar at Yonsei University in Seoul to promote the Korean translation of his book "Nation Branding: Concepts, Issues, Practice (2008)." In the book, the professor of business administration analyses the unique nature of Korea's weak national brand among other developed nations despite a strong economy boasting several internationally lauded corporations such as Samsung, LG, and Hyundai.
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