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.

The BBG Circus and US Soft Power

Both parties like to insist that “soft power” matters, that the “war of ideas” is still a critical element in American statecraft, and that “getting the truth out” is important for the success of defending freedom around the world. But if the continuing dysfunctionalism of the BBG is any indication, that can hardly be the case.

Tags: united states, media, international broadcasting, government pd, public diplomacy, voice of america, bbg

Senapati Reverberates to “Building Relations Through Music”

A one day cultural and musical exchange program under the theme ‘Building relations through music’ was held today at Senapati Mini stadium organized jointly by the Senapati district students association (SDSA) and Kuki Students organisation (KSO) Sadar Hills in association with Student Mobilization Initiatives Learning through Exposure.

Tags: Cultural Diplomacy, public diplomacy, india, non-state pd, cultural exchange, music diplomacy

Sheldon and Miriam Adelson Donate Another $40 Million to Birthright

The Birthright Israel Foundation today announced a new $40 million gift from Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson that continues their commitment to fund free, 10-day educational trips for Jewish young adults between the ages of 18 and 26. The gift brings the Adelsons' total donations to the program to a historic $180 million, making them by far the world’s largest private donors to Birthright Israel.

Tags: middle east, public diplomacy, israel, non-state pd, adelson, birthright

American Philanthropist Honored for Bolstering US-Russia Cultural Ties

American philanthropist Susan Lehrman has received the Fulbright Award for contributing to international diplomacy, specifically Russia-US cultural ties. A month ago, her efforts were warmly saluted by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Tags: united states, Cultural Diplomacy, public diplomacy, russia, non-state pd, cultural exchange, fulbright

At the Doha Forum, Considering the Arab World’s Long-Term Needs

Many of these matters are well-suited for responses built around public diplomacy. During this time of uncertainty, people are likely to be looking for ways to take on more responsibility for their own lives. Public diplomacy programs can foster entrepreneurship, expand educational opportunities, improve grass roots journalism, and address other issues that are more within the purview of individual citizens rather than governments.

Tags: Cultural Diplomacy, middle east, government pd, arab spring, public diplomacy, non-state pd, philip seib, doha forum

Botswana Launches Brand Strategy

Botswana is positioning itself to be the next big economic powerhouse in Africa. This was the sentiment expressed at the launch of the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre’s brand strategy at the Michelangelo Hotel in Johannesburg on Tuesday, 21 May.

Tags: nation branding, public diplomacy, africa, south africa, botswana

Beyond Conflicts, The Arab World’s Other Challenges

News from the Middle East is dominated by conflict, whether the stories come from Syria, Libya, Iraq, or other states in the region. Blood is plentiful; hope is scarce. But beyond the lurid viciousness that dominates daily journalism are long-term challenges to the region’s future that are impervious to solutions that rely on the weaponry of conflict.

Tags: middle east, media, arab spring, public diplomacy, egypt, philip seib, doha forum, usc center on public diplomacy

Diplomat: World Public Opinion Favors Diplomatic Settlement of Syrian Crisis

Iranian Ambassador to Beirut Qazanfar Roknabadi underlined that the world public opinion is in favor of the diplomatic settlement of the crisis in Syria and Tehran is due to hold a conference later this month to this end. He stressed that the world public opinion is very much interested in seeking a diplomatic solution to the crisis in Syria but certain countries fanned the flames of the proxy war in Syria and caused a true crisis there through financial and arms supports to terrorists groups.

Tags: middle east, government pd, arab spring, public diplomacy, public opinion, iran, foreign policy, syria

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