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.
Chuck Norris diplomacy? Foreign affairs plans to teach diplomats martial arts
Canada’s foreign affairs department is reportedly taking steps to ensure its diplomats can really punch above their weight on the world stage. The Globe and Mail reports on its website that the department is looking for martial-arts instructors to train its envoys. A public tender says ambassadors sent to certain higher-risk countries must know rudimentary “reactive techniques to manage confrontations in potentially dangerous situations.”
U.S. Department of State Announces Basketball Sports Visitor Program with Youth from Burma
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces that 12 Burmese youth—six boys and six girls—and two coaches will travel to the United States January 7-20. The basketball exchange program, with support from the National Basketball Association (NBA), marks the first State Department Sports Visitor program with Burma.
Universal Studios Hollywood Partners with the Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development
Universal Studios Hollywood welcomes the Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development's Culture Fair, a celebration of Chinese art and culture featuring three days of engaging activities and interactive displays exhibiting the historical city's most notable landmarks.
British youth players travel to U.S. for 28-game tour
Rob Gravina just wants to grow the sport he loves. For that reason, and that reason alone, the 47-year-old engineer for IBM organized a 148-person strong travelling party from Great Britain to come to the tri-state area for a week of hockey and cultural exchange.
The U.S. Strategy On China – Analysis
Almost all sources are making statements on the US focus on Pacific region as foreign policy priority. What does this new Asia- Pacific strategy actually mean?...In terms of natural disasters, the US’ soft power finds positive support. According to an article published in the International Public Policy Review, Luuk Nijman stated that together with its soft power elements and its military power, the US could enhance its influence over the region.
Why US/Israel Face Sinking Polls
When U.S. and Israeli officials look glumly at international polls showing their declining popularity, they often think that just some better salesmanship will do the trick. But the real problem isn’t the pitch; it’s the product, in this case policies that offend much of the world, says ex-CIA analyst Paul R. Pillar.
Would Kerry advance e-diplomacy?
There is broad consensus that Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) has the foreign policy experience to serve as Secretary of State. But what about the State Department's open-technology and digital diplomacy efforts? Does the presumed successor to Hillary Clinton have her commitment to cyber-statecraft?
Smith-Mundt Act Amended
A new defense-related authorization bill signed by President Obama this week includes a provision that allows the Broadcasting Board of Governors to disseminate materials within the United States that were originally intended for audiences overseas.
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