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.

Improving The 'Art' Of Diplomacy With Foreign Languages

Diplomacy, like negotiation and card playing, is an old, traditional ‘art’. To succeed at all three, the player needs an edge over his or her opponents, an edge based on preparation, confidence and cultural acuity. The more you know going in, the greater your chances of ultimate success.

Tags: foreign language acquisition, latvia, u.s. foreign service institute, languages, public diplomacy, education diplomacy, diplomacy, foreign service, u.s. department of state

Young Iranians Continue to Shock the Internet by Being Normal

The Internet is eating up "Another View on Iran," a provocative photo essay by photographer Hossein Fatemi. The exposé gives a global audience the chance to peer into the country's more modern (or scandalous) sub-culture where men and women socialize together, drink alcohol and listen to rock music. The country bans these activities, but many citizens still participate in them. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? 

Tags: digital diplomacy, iran, non-state actors, internet, youth, hossein fatemi, Cultural Diplomacy, gender

The United States Just Finished 46th in a Press-Freedom Contest

At least the birthplace of the First Amendment managed to come in one spot ahead of Haiti. Every year, Reporters Without Borders ranks 180 countries in order of how well they safeguard press freedom. This year, the United States suffered a precipitous drop. The latest Press Freedom Index ranked the U.S. 46th.

Tags: julian assange, values, soft power, press freedom, surveillance, press freedom index, edward snowden, united states

Why Franco-American Ties Matter

French president François Hollande's recent two-day state visit to Washington was intended as a "shot in the arm" for the beleaguered French leader as well as an acknowledgment of strengthening ties, says CFR's Europe expert Charles A. Kupchan. Kupchan says that France has emerged as the United States' strongest European security partner, supporting U.S. policy toward Syria and Iran and taking firm military action on its own against militants in Mali.

Tags: france, franco-american relations, francois hollande, barack obama, united states, history, europe, security

Venezuelan Student Protesters Tweet #LaSalida to Call for President's Exit

Among Venezuelans taking to the streets are student protesters who, in the past, have proven to be a powerful political force. Using Twitter as well as street demonstrations, the students offer a boost to a weak and disjointed opposition. Tens of thousands of Venezuelans took to the streets of Caracas and other cities Wednesday in the biggest antigovernment protests yet during the 10-month term of President Nicolas Maduro. Pro-government demonstrators also turned out, sparking confrontations that reportedly left three people dead.

Tags: caracas, conflict, nicolas maduro, digital diplomacy, #lasalida, protest, social media, venezuela

Geoana, Appointed High Representative To Promote Strategic Economic Projects And Public Diplomacy

Under a recent decision of Prime Minister Victor Ponta, Social Democratic Senator Mircea Geoana was appointed high representative of the Prime Minister to promote strategic economic projects and public diplomacy programmes.

 

Tags: mircea geoana, public diplomacy, romania, economy

Decade After "Freedom Fries," U.S. Opinion of France Strong

As French President Francois Hollande visits the U.S. this week, including being honored at the first state dinner of President Barack Obama's second term, 78% of Americans view France favorably. This represents a full restoration of France's U.S. image more than 10 years after it tumbled to 34% favorable in 2003, when France refused to back the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.

Tags: france, hollande, obama, public opinion, united states

A Tribute to Shirley Temple Black, the Ultimate Public Diplomat

Shirley Temple Black’s career speaks to the inherent power of cultural diplomacy to move people in positive ways. As perhaps the biggest child movie star in history, she made magic with her dance and voice—and her talent echoed around the world as did her powerful films which made America look vibrant and culturally robust. In many ways she made America into the great “fairy tale” it could be—a nation beckoning others with its openness and warmth.

Tags: ambassadors, celebrity, Cultural Diplomacy, Czechoslovakia, shirley temple

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