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.

Xavier University prepares to teach Mandarin and establish an exchange program with Chinese scholars

Entering into a pact with Hebei Normal Uniersity of Science and Technology is part of Xavier's efforts to establish a Confucius Institute to promote the teaching of Chinese language and culture. There are about 300 such organizations, including 87 in the United States.

Tags: china, united states, confucius institutes, education diplomacy, universities, confucius institutes project, mandarin

BBG Trip to Africa Results in Distribution Agreements and Health Programming

A week-long trip of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) to Ethiopia, South Sudan and Nigeria has resulted in valuable programming and distribution agreements. At a town hall meeting in Nigeria yesterday, the Broadcasting Board of Governors launched the VOA Africa Health Network. The Network will help address the health and developmental needs of audiences across Africa.

Tags: united states, media, international broadcasting, africa, non-state pd, voice of america, development, health diplomacy

China and Germany launch green initiative

Germany and China are planning a big expansion of joint research and investment in green technologies, including production of electric cars in China and development of carbon-capture systems. A series of business and inter-governmental agreements were signed between the world’s two largest exporters in Berlin on Tuesday.

Tags: china, government pd, science diplomacy, germany, technology, trade diplomacy, green diplomacy

Wen spreads China’s billions in Europe but can’t buy goodwill

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao today said China may give Europe “a helping hand” with its current debt crisis – but warned in uncharacteristic tones for a second successive day against European officials and media that “meddle” in China’s affairs. Mr. Wen ended a goodwill jaunt through Europe that is partly intended to put a better face on China, experts say.

Tags: china, soft power, government pd, europe, trade diplomacy

Youku, China’s No. 1 video site, signs deal with Warner Bros.

Youku Inc., China’s top online video site, said Tuesday it had signed a deal with Warner Bros. to stream hundreds of the studio’s new and old movies. Warner Bros. has been among the forefront of Hollywood’s efforts to gain access to China’s booming movie-going market. China currently limits the number of foreign movies for theatrical release to 20 per year.

Tags: china, united states, Cultural Diplomacy, new technology, non-state pd, film diplomacy

‘Internet In A Suitcase’ Hopes To Send Repressive Regimes Packing

The project informally called "Internet in a Suitcase," is being developed by a team of experts at the New America Foundation, a nonpartisan research group, with funding from the U.S. State Department. It be used to set up a shadow Internet anywhere you like -- say, in a repressive country where the government shuts down communication avenues in times of crisis.

Tags: united states, government pd, new technology, internet diplomacy

‘Cat And Coup’ Video Game Recalls Overthrow Of Popular Iranian Leader

In a new documentary video game tracing the life of the late Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh, Iran's hugely popular prime minister, users get to play his frisky pet cat. The cat sets in motion many key historical events of Mossadegh's life, starting from his death under house arrest and moving backward through the pivotal 1953 Western-backed coup d'etat that saw his overthrow.

Tags: united states, Cultural Diplomacy, iran, new technology, video games

Bosnian novelist has town built in his honour

Work is set to begin building a new town inspired by the writing of Yugoslavian Nobel literature laureate Ivo Andrić, following plans by film director Emir Kusturica and the Republika Srpska's government. Andrić, who won the Nobel in 1961, is best known for his novel The Bridge on the Drina, the inspiration behind the new town of Andrićgrad.

Tags: Cultural Diplomacy, government pd, film diplomacy, literature, bosnia-herzegovina

Pages

Stay in the Know

Public Diplomacy is a dynamic field, and CPD is committed to keeping you connected and informed about the critical developments that are shaping PD around the world. 

Depending on your specific interests, you can subscribe to one or more of CPD's newsletters >.

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.