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.

China’s biggest problem is its lack of ‘soft power’

China is earnestly striving to become a respected world power, one that finally surpasses the United States. The day could come when its economy, even its military, is larger than America's. But its biggest problem right now, one that's much harder to correct, is the nation's “soft power.” China appears to have very few true friends in the world.

Tags: china, soft power, government pd, public diplomacy, soft rise of china

Mbarawa clarifies on digital TV broadcasting migration

Minister for Communication, Science and Technology, Prof. Makame Mbarawa has clarified that the plan to migrate from analogue to digital television broadcasting has not been suspended...Tanzania's migration to digital broadcasting began in 2005. In that year TCRA issued the first public consultation document (PCD) on the switchover from analogue to digital broadcasting...

Tags: international broadcasting, public diplomacy, new technology, tanzania

As Brazil’s Influence Expands, So Does a Campaign Strategist’s Success

For decades, presidential elections in Latin America have often involved that well-known fixture in the cable news landscape of the United States: the American political consultant. But in a development reflecting the waning clout of one powerful nation in the hemisphere and the rising influence of another, Brazilian political consultants have begun to compete handily with their American counterparts, orchestrating campaigns throughout Latin America and beyond.

Tags: soft power, public diplomacy, brazil

The Kremlin’s World

When the Russian Foreign Ministry released its updated Foreign Policy Concept in February, codifying Russia’s global strategies, Washington yawned. Yet this document reveals much about the emerging “Putin Doctrine.” It further separates Russia from Western Europe and is especially critical of the United States. It also leaves no doubt: President Barack Obama’s “reset” policy cannot possibly survive his second term. Here’s the reality check.

Tags: soft power, public diplomacy, russia

Letter to Kenyans in the Diaspora

It would be disastrous for Kenya to overlook the benefits of liaising with Kenyans in Diaspora in regards to Nation Branding. However, the link with Diasporans should not only be linked to Nation Branding but the overall development of the mother country.

Tags: nation branding, public diplomacy, africa, diaspora, kenya

CONFLICTING NARRATIVES IN SOUTH AFRICA

Nearly twenty years after the end of Apartheid, South Africa is still a country of controversy and conflicting narratives... Which direction is South Africa heading in today? It’s been a beacon for Africa over the last twenty years, a continent of its own competing narratives: on the one hand, an emerging “economic giant” with a growing middle class; on the other, a hot spot for rising terrorist groups and home to more than a few nasty dictators.

Tags: nation branding, public diplomacy, south africa

Women Must Be Empowered for Prosperity in Mideast, North Africa

If the nations of the Middle East and North Africa are to enjoy economic prosperity and political stability, they need to fully include women, says Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Tara Sonenshine. "Study after study has confirmed that any country or region that ignores half of its population will undercut its chance of success politically, economically and democratically."

Tags: united states, public diplomacy, africa, us department of state, women empowerment

Al Jazeera targets Spain as Middle East popularity wanes

State-owned Qatari television network Al Jazeera is exploring the acquisition of Spain’s La Liga premier soccer league rights in a bid to expand its budding global sports franchise, tweak its business model in a world in which pan-Arab television is on the decline and compensate for mounting criticism of its coverage of popular revolts in the Middle East and North Africa.

Tags: Cultural Diplomacy, government pd, public diplomacy, sports diplomacy, al jazeera, spain, qatar

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