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 Mirror at the Olympics

This pattern was seen after the Second World War too, with the most notable example being of Tokyo hosting the 1964 Olympics to shed Japan of its militaristic past. In fact, one of the first major actions of post-apartheid South Africa under Nelson Mandela was to host the Rugby Union World Cup in 1995. [...] The success of it — South Africa became the champions — and the improved image of the country convinced Mandela to lend support for the FIFA World Cup bid.

Tags: brazil, japan, south africa, olympic games, smart & soft power, history & theory, sports diplomacy, international image, economic development

Chinese Vice Premier Inaugurates New Confucius Classroom in Mexico

A new Confucius Classroom was inaugurated at the Universidad del Caribe (Unicaribe) by visiting Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong on Sunday in Cancun, in the southeast Mexican state of Quintana Roo. During the inauguration ceremony, Liu said that Mexican students' fluent Chinese and great performances made her feel the charm of cultural exchange, and see the bright future of friendly ties between the two countries. 

Tags: china, Confucius classrooms, mexico, latin america, chinese language, bilateral relations, international exchange, Cultural Diplomacy

Women at the Olympics: Saudi Arabia’s Image Paradox

It is quite evident that Saudi Arabia has recently focused on improving its public image and reputation abroad, given its numerous attempts at opening itself to the international arena, and through diplomatic measures aimed at nursing the country’s image deficit. The role of women has surfaced at the forefront of its public diplomacy efforts. 

Tags: saudi arabia, middle east, 2016 Rio Olympics, women in saudi, smart & soft power, nation branding, international image, public opinion

Research Centre Will Help Strengthen Cultural Ties with Baltic Nations

Governor KK Paul inaugurated the Baltic Research Centre at Dev Sanskriti Viswa Vidyalaya in Haridwar today [...] He said the establishment of the Baltic centre would not only strengthen our cultural ties with Baltic countries but also encourage research and explore our heritage, which had remained suppressed, in our country as well as in the Baltic states.

Tags: india, baltic states, bilateral ties, government pd, international exchange, education, cultural heritage, baltic research center

At the American University Museum, A Look at North and South Korean Art

It’s been 70 years since the Korean peninsula was divided into the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea (South Korea). It is a story of divergence in almost every realm imaginable: political, economic, social, and of course, cultural. American University’s Katzen Arts Center’s parallel exhibitions highlight the artistic dimension of this split. 

Tags: american university, museum diplomacy, north korea, south korea, Cultural Diplomacy, history & theory, art & culture

Girl Power Can Smash the Digital Divide

Exposure to technology itself allows young women a chance to develop technical skills, and open new career horizons. Bangladeshi Association for Life Skills, Income, and Knowledge for Adolescents (BALIKA), a randomised control trial, spearheaded by the Population Council throughout Bangladesh over the last three years, has proven that such models can work in delaying child marriage.

Tags: digital diplomacy & new tech, non state pd, bangladesh, women and girls empowerment, BALIKA, education, advocacy, population council, digital bangladesh

Bridging the Gap Among ASEAN Countries

Since a teenager, Art Thomya, YouTube host and travel vlogger, has enthusiastically participated in Asean cultural exchange programmes. His passion for the region rings true until today. The 39-year-old, who wears a number of hats, uses his talent as an independent singer/songwriter and travel enthusiast to promote the Asean region's tourism and culture on his YouTube travel programme Hey! Asean.

Tags: asean countries, nation branding, digital diplomacy & new tech, international exchange, youtube, tourism, international image, culture

International Film Festival Opens Up in Ghana

The Founder and Executive Director of the Black Star International Film Festival Juliet Asante, made this known at a press briefing in Accra. According to her, films are a source of national pride and identity, a cultural diplomacy tool; employment creator and also attracts investments. [...] According to her, the industry in Ghana is picking up fast.

Tags: ghana, africa, south africa, film festival, Cultural Diplomacy, nation branding, international image, economic development, advocacy

Pages

Stay in the Know

Public Diplomacy is a dynamic field, and CPD is committed to keeping you connected and informed about the critical developments that are shaping PD around the world. 

Depending on your specific interests, you can subscribe to one or more of CPD's newsletters >.

Visit CPD's Online Library

Explore CPD's vast online database featuring the latest books, articles, speeches and information on international organizations dedicated to public diplomacy.