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.

NATO Officials Say Russian 'Fake News' Seeks to Undermine Alliance

At other times, forged documents and fabricated news items consistent with Russia's strategic objectives have first appeared in obscure Swedish media outlets, which were picked up subsequently by Sputnik and "other sources of Russian public diplomacy" and broadcast to an international audience.

Tags: fake news, disinformation, public opinion, foreign policy, nato, russia, twitter, media outlets, international broadcasting

Bye bye, Bao Bao

Washington is saying its farewells to Bao Bao, the beloved giant panda that leaves the Smithsonian’s National Zoo February 21. Next stop: China. The 3-year-old has enthralled Washingtonians — and panda lovers the world over — thanks in large part to the zoo’s “panda cams,” on-site cameras that have captured the panda’s movements ever since her birth in August 2013.

Tags: china, united states, panda diplomacy, national zoo, cultural exchange, Cultural Diplomacy, pandas

Buddy Up with Refugees for Unique Cultural Exchange

The Buderim-based Buddies Refugee Support Group is again calling for hosts for the Learn English Holiday program, which pairs refugees and Sunshine Coast residents for a week-long exchange. Fergus Fitzgerald of Buddies said he considered the exchange one of the organisation's flagship programs due to its immense benefits to both parties. "For the asylum seekers and refugees, sometimes this is the first time they've stayed in a normal family setting since they've fled their home,” he said.

Tags: help refugees, asylum seekers, Cultural Diplomacy, cultural exchange, language program, #WithRefugees

Israel-Turkey Ties Ease Into New Era With ‘Soft’ Collaboration

Officials from the Turkish and Israeli foreign ministries met for the first time in more than six years to discuss cooperation in areas such as energy, trade and tourism. As Turkey and Israel ease into a new era in their relationship, collaboration on more sensitive issues has been slower to emerge. [...] The two sides also agreed to future exchange visits by government ministers as well as business, academic and cultural delegations.

Tags: government pd, israel, turkey, trade, tourism, culture, bilateral relations, cross cultural dialogue

CRI Brings Chinese Dramas and Films to New Zealand TV

TV audiences in New Zealand will for the first time be able to see Chinese TV dramas and films dubbed in English on a local channel. It's being made possible by an agreement signed on Friday, aimed at bringing CRI's popular China Theatre program to a Kiwi audience. [...] This will be the first time English-dubbed Chinese TV dramas will have been shown in Oceania.

Tags: Cultural Diplomacy, smart & soft power, international broadcasting, china, new zealand, oceania, television

German Companies to Create Job Opportunities in India

Germany is one of the top ten investors in India and we want to continue this strong bond with India, said Andrea Christ, Deputy Counsel General, German Consulate, who was in the city to launch Dr. Wiesner’s product,[...] Stating that the Indo-German relations have strengthened since the Make in India initiative with cultural exchange programmes and industrial opportunities.

Tags: government pd, cultural exchange, trade, economic development, germany, india, make in india, bilateral relations

Can Russia Win Friends & Influence People in Southeast Asia?

As Russia’s foreign policy has become more assertive over the last few years, views of Russia in the West are becoming increasingly negative. But in Southeast Asia, a region whose history of relations with the USSR and Russia is fundamentally different from that of the West, perceptions of Russia today are markedly different. But can Russia make use of this positive image in its pursuit of soft power and influence?

Tags: smart & soft power, government pd, russia, southeast asia, international image, global influence, economic development

Two Cultural Treasures Rescued from ISIS Have Been Restored in Italy

Two rare busts rescued from the Isis group's destruction of the ancient city of Palmyra will soon be heading back to Syria, after a painstaking restoration in Italy [...] "This is an example of an issue we hold dear: that of cultural diplomacy, the fact that culture can be an instrument for dialogue between people, even when circumstances are difficult," Italian culture minister Dario Franceschini said. 

Tags: Cultural Diplomacy, cultural heritage, italy, syria, palmyra, art, isis, cross cultural dialogue

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