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.
Belize Sees an Opportunity on Breaking Bad
In the latest episode of Breaking Bad, Saul (Bob Odenkirk) nervously suggested that Walter White (Bryan Cranston) order a hit on his brother-in-law Hank (Dean Norris), telling Walt that he could send his brother-in-law “on a trip to Belize,” just as he did with old buddy Mike (Jonathan Banks). Walt is hypocritically aghast at the suggestion, but audiences everywhere welcomed the euphemism into the cultural lexicon.
Why I Ambushed Russia’s News Network with Rainbow Suspenders
I was two days into a pleasant Baltic Sea vacation when the request from RT arrived in my inbox. Formerly “Russia Today,” RT is Moscow’s multilingual, global cable news network. RT is not your babushka’s Soviet-style propaganda; it broadcasts sophisticated conspiracy theories and “anti-establishment” attitudes to push a virulently anti-American and illiberal agenda. The network relies on a pool of talking heads, including “9/11 Truthers,” anti-Semites and other assorted extremists, who espouse the sort of views found where the far left and the far right converge.
Facebook Project Aims to Connect Global Poor
Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive of Facebook, announced the launch of Internet.org Wednesday, a project aimed at bringing Internet access to the 5 billion people around the world who can't afford it. The project is the latest initiative led by global-communications giants to combat market saturation in the developed world by introducing the Internet to remote and underprivileged communities.
Public Diplomacy and the Arab World’s Future
At some point, the post-revolutionary Arab states will emerge from the self-destructive madness that has them so tightly in its grip. While Egypt, Syria, Libya, and Tunisia deal with varying degrees of instability, the future should be kept in sight. The key to an improved future in the region is less political than it is economic. Democracy is a worthy goal, but it will be reached only slowly. The shriveled economies of many Arab states (they are not all oil-rich) were the most significant factors behind the uprisings of 2011.
Ambassador Praises India’s Progress at IALA Mela
Despite sweltering temperatures during the afternoon and near 90-degree heat well into the evening, thousands of people flocked to the grounds of Granada Hills Charter High School here in the San Fernando Valley Aug. 17 to celebrate India’s 67th Independence Day. Organized by the India Association of Los Angeles, the Independence Day celebration was peacefully festive and featured key leaders, including an ambassador, congressman, and district attorney, hailing India as a role model for democracy and growth.
Why is China so Afraid of a Small Protest?
A minor protest in Anhui Province has grabbed the central government's attention in China. According to Radio Free Asia, on August 10, two thousand protestors laid siege to government offices in Xuancheng City in Anhui’s Jixi County, in the Jingzhou Township. The crowds overturned cars, smashed the windows of a government office, and assaulted government officials. Reports on this incident went relatively unnoticed, partially because the Central Propaganda Department (also known as the Publicity Department) got ahead of the story by issuing a stern warning to state media outlets.
Al-Jazeera America Faces Steep Climb Among U.S. Viewers
Al-Jazeera and America, two name brands often at odds since 9/11, were wed as one on Tuesday (Aug. 20) when the Qatar-based media network began broadcasting its U.S. news channel Al-Jazeera America from New York. This is not the first time Al-Jazeera has tried to find a home on American TV. Al-Jazeera English debuted with an international focus in 2006 but was never picked up in major media markets outside the Northeast.
Vietnam’s Government Wants to “Manage” Online Chat Apps
Vietnam's government is to decide policy in managing free internet-based telecom tools like Viber, Line and Whatsapp, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said on Friday, a move bound to increase concerns about Communist Party censorship. State media said the government might "ban" free messaging services because of the harm done to network providers. Vietnam has repeatedly come under fire for curbs on free speech and harsh treatment for bloggers who dare to criticize the one-party regime.
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