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.
The ‘soft power’ myth
For years under Mr. Chretien, they peddled this notion of "soft power," in which Canada, Brazil, India, Australia, Italy and others would use their moral authority to exert influence over Russia, the United States and China and compel them to deal on war, arms, the environment and poverty. But other than garnering lots of praise from the Red Cross, Greenpeace, UNESCO, etc...the Liberals achieved little.
Chinese VP’s Europe tour of great significance: senior diplomat
A senior foreign ministry official on Wednesday described Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping's visit to five European countries as one that not only promotes country-to-country relations, but also pushes for cooperation in dealing with the global economic crisis...Xi reiterated the willingness and preparedness of the Chinese government and people to further relation...on the basis of mutual respect, equal treatment and non-interference in each others internal affairs.
Seoul Yet to Become Global City
Despite a series of ambitious projects, Seoul has a long way to go before it has a high profile internationally, according to a British expert on brand management..."By becoming more engaged in the global conversation, by behaving in a moral and proactively responsible way, countries like South Korea can establish their relevance to people in other countries, and thus build their good names."
Russian poet receives prestigious US award
"A poet in Russia means more than a poet," said Russian ambassador to the United States Sergei Kislyak at a reception held at the Russian Embassy in Washington...in memory of the outstanding poets of the two countries – Walt Whitman and Alexander Pushkin, and in honor of Russian poet Yevgeny Yevtushenko, who received a prestigious annual award...instituted by the Fund of Russian-US cultural cooperation for an outstanding contribution to the development of bilateral cultural contacts.
Rivals China, India in escalating war of words
China and India have taken a vituperative war of words and diplomatic barbs to an unusual level of tension in recent days, prompting fears that the traditional rivalry between the two Asian giants could spin out of control. "The most urgent present job for both sides is crisis management," says Han Hua, an expert on South Asia at Peking University. "I don't think either government wants the situation to go further downhill."
[Indonesia] improves diplomacy through cultural exchange
Eight women and four men in Javanese costume danced to fast-tempo gamelan, (Javanese traditional music) played by musicians also wearing Javanese costume. Indonesia Channel 2009, a dance and music festival, was performed by 50 students from 31 countries who were granted 2009 Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholarships from the Foreign Ministry,
Three ASEAN amigos: All for one
When China, Japan and South Korea held their 10th trilateral summit meeting, this time in Beijing, they again pledged to move toward regional integration, even though it is clear bilateral problems remain, in particular between China and Japan.
Lodi students and teachers explain Halloween customs to exchange students
The tradition must seem odd, but they are far too polite to say so. Halloween is not celebrated in Japan, Argentina, or Thailand - the countries currently represented in a cultural exchange program in Lodi [Wisconsin] - but it remains intriguing.
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