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.

Israel Warns Extremists Ahead of Papal Visit

Israel's police chief has vowed that Jewish extremists will not be allowed to spoil the upcoming visit of Pope Francis by vandalising Christian holy places. Speaking to reporters in Jerusalem on Sunday, Police Commissioner Yohanan Danino said a group of "extreme elements" were attempting "to create pressure and the impression of pressure" ahead of the pontiff's visit, which begins on May 25. Although police have made scores of arrests, there have been no successful prosecutions, prompting widespread expressions of concern from Christian leaders."We will do everything to ensure they won't ha

Tags: pope francis, visit to israel, faith diplomacy

Malaysia to Boost Investments in Russian Economy

Malaysian government intends to encourage local companies to increase investments in Russia, Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry Mustapa Mohamed said after a bilateral meeting with Russian Minister of Economic Development Aleksey Ulyukayev in this Chinese city on Sunday. “We had a good meeting. We have made major progress and intend to sign a memorandum on setting up a joint committee to develop Russian-Malaysian co-operation,” Mohamed said.

Tags: government pd, international trade, russia, malaysia

Rebalancing: An Instrument of Economic Diplomacy – Analysis

After prolonged engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq, the US has finally made a move to renew its commitment towards Asia, which has always been an arena of US strategic and economic interest. The Asian rebalancing strategy highlights the current power shift in the international order from the west to the east. The economic engagement between the US and the Pacific nations is one the major pillars of the rebalancing strategy as the US identifies ‘economic statecraft’ as a major plank of its ‘Pivot to Asia’.

Tags: economic diplomacy, united states, asia pacific

Modi Miles Ahead of Competition on Twitter

The BJP clean sweep at the national elections found an echo on Twitter. On counting day Narendra Modi began with 39.87 lakh followers and ended with 40.92 lakh, breaking a record of sorts in the number of followers on Twitter any individual has pulled in on a given day. The tally now stands well over 41.1 lakh.This may have much to do with the BJP's early debut on Twitter and the effective use of social media that went towards building the sort of marketing campaign rarely seen in Indian politics.

Tags: digital diplomacy, Modi, india, elections, twitter

Thousands Of Brazilians Are Pushing Back Against the Government's World Cup Plans

To demonstrate opposition to the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup, protests, strikes and direct actions have been sweeping Brazil in massive numbers. Occupying a space next to Arena Corinthians in São Paolo, where the first match will be held, over 10,000 people are protesting in the name of Brazil's Landless Workers Movement (MTST). Around the rest of Brazil, such as in Rio de Janeiro, countless others are organizing smaller protests against the government. Their slogan is #NãoVaiTerCopa, or "There will be no Cup."

Tags: non-state actor, brazil, FIFA 2014 world cup, protest

How to Win Millennials: Equality, Climate Change, and Gay Marriage

A new survey shows the youngest bloc of voters is decidedly progressive, nervous about money—and not especially energized about voting.One big takeaway is that Millennials are strongly supportive of governmental intervention in society on a wide array of social issues. The survey also suggests Millennials place a high value on equality.

Tags: public opinion, millennials, gender equality, climate change, lgbt

The Internet and China-US Relations

By providing an alternative to mainstream media, the internet can increase mutual understanding. Although today China-U.S. relations are not bad, the relationship remains very complicated. There are many factors affecting China-U.S. relations, some of which are very serious. This is why President Xi Jinping proposed the establishment of a “new model of major country relationship”

Tags: digital diplomacy, new technology, united states, china

Australia, US are Setting Global Example in Fight Against Homophobia

US ambassador John Berry says the two countries have achieved great advances for their LGBT communities. "We do not have to accept this, the world can fight homophobia," Berry said in a video filmed for samesame.com.au and released on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. "It is so important because we need to communicate to our brothers and sisters who are in less fortunate places that we have not forgotten them, that we stand together, that gay rights are human rights and both the US and Australia will stand to protect them."

Tags: global aid and development, homophobia, transphobia, lgbt, united states, australia

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