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.

Confucius comeback continues with Tiananmen statue

There has been an officially sanctioned revival of Confucius in recent years, as authorities have turned to his teachings to reach out to the international community to strengthen China's "soft power" and counter an invasion of Western culture.

Tags: china, soft power, Cultural Diplomacy, public opinion, confucius

UAE Medical Students Return from Research Scholarship in the UK

Three medical students from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) University have returned to the Emirates after being granted a research scholarship to work in leading research laboratories in the United Kingdom (UK) as part of the British Council Research Scholarship Programme.

Tags: united kingdom, education diplomacy, british council, united arab emirates, medicine, best practices

‘Muslim Cosby Show’ Not A Crazy Idea

Katie Couric's recent comments recommending a Muslim Cosby show to combat anti-Muslim bigotry has been decried by some as a naïve, simplistic remedy for the festering sore of Islamophobia in America. However...authentic and accessible American Muslim narratives can emerge as popular, effective tools of cultural diplomacy in helping bridge the divides between Muslim Communities and the U.S.

Tags: united states, Cultural Diplomacy, public opinion, islam, muslim, pop culture, television diplomacy

India to host next mini-diaspora conclave in Toronto: Vayalar Ravi (Interview)

Toronto is the venue for India's next mini-Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in June to connect with its 27 million-strong diaspora in over 150 countries. It would focus on the aspirations of the new generation of Indian youth worldwide and the universal cultural draw of Bollywood, said Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi.

Tags: india, canada, diaspora

China wants tourism to improve battered image

China wants to use both inbound and outbound tourism to help promote its international image, which has been battered by endless product and food safety scandals and ethnic unrest.

Tags: china, Cultural Diplomacy, public opinion, tourism, image building

Swiss Muslim group offers lessons in working with media

The Swiss Islamic Shura Central Council is offering a series of workshops and seminars that began 8 January in Zurich to help Muslims learn to work with media to ensure better and fairer presentations of Muslims and Islam.

Tags: media, non-state actors, islam, image building, muslim

Finnish know-how in an imaginative package

The newest issue of Focus on the Economy and Technology, a magazine created for key audiences in Finland’s major export markets, presents the country’s strong points to the world in articles about water expertise, education, energy, design and more. The same central themes were emphasised in Finland’s country brand report in November.

Tags: nation branding, trade diplomacy, finland

Pope’s call for Middle East to protect Christians sparks Egypt fury

Pope Benedict was tonight at the centre of a new diplomatic storm after Egypt recalled its ambassador to the Vatican in protest at the pontiff's call for Middle Eastern governments to do more to protect their Christian minorities.

Tags: middle east, faith diplomacy, egypt, religion, pope benedict xvi, catholicism, christians

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