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.
Friends With High Numbers
Official Washington is abuzz with word that Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is poised to tap a longtime friend and Democratic mega-donor as her undersecretary for public diplomacy. Judith A. McHale, one of the area's most prominent female executives, who stepped down in 2006 as president of Discovery Communications, may take a job that has been especially difficult given Washington's reputation abroad.
A Battle Over What Happened In Gaza
More than previous Middle East military campaigns, and the round-the-clock public relations efforts, this battle was accentuated by technology. Palestinians with cellphone cameras documented bomb blasts and surrender flags; Israel Defense Forces soldiers were ordered to film firefights as evidence to later rebut any war crimes charges.
Panel Seeks to Boost Korea’s Image
The Korean government yesterday set in motion an ambitious project to raise the international profile of the country, whose image abroad lags painfully behind its achievement in economics, democracy and diplomatic clout. "Korea's national brand is seriously weak and the country's image does not compare with its national power. This is one of the tasks that the nation should address most urgently, as it strives to leap into the ranks of the world's most advanced countries," said Euh Yoon-dae, chairman of the Presidential Council on Nation Branding, which was formally launched yesterday.
UK to Promote Cultural Understanding with China
The British Council will expand its operations in China and scholarships for Chinese students to go to the UK will not be cut down despite the tough time in 2009 due to the economic downturn, said Martin Davidson, Chief Executive of the organization on Jan. 20 during his visit to China. While in most other countries the British Council tends to choose to promote only a part of their programs, when it comes to China the institution aims at implementing a full range of their projects. "To the UK, very few countries have the same importance that China has," Mr. Davidson said.
Presidential Council on Nation Branding Opens
The Lee Myung-bak administration launched a presidential council Thursday to upgrade Korea's international status and improve its image overseas. Former Korea University President Euh Yoon-dae became the first chairman of the Presidential Council on Nation Branding, which includes eight ministers and several PR experts from the country's leading enterprises. "We will start various projects to promote Korea's global image and make it a more respected country," Euh said in a speech to mark the opening of the council's office in Seoul.
Clinton Vows Robust Diplomacy as State Dept Chief
Clinton's mandate from Obama is to step up diplomatic efforts and restore the nation's tattered image overseas. She has vowed to make use of "smart power" to deal with international challenges. "At the heart of smart power are smart people, and you are those people," she told the assembled throng. "And you are the ones that we will count on and turn to for the advice and counsel, the expertise and experience to make good on the promises of this new administration."
Radio and TV Martí Chief to Stay in Post, For Now
The head of Miami-based Radio and TV Martí will stay on in his post -- at least temporarily -- despite an administration change in Washington that was expected to result in a resignation for the political appointee. Pedro Roig, director of the U.S. Office of Cuba Broadcasting, was asked to stay on by the federal agency that controls Radio and TV Martí, and is traveling to Washington, D.C., on Monday to meet with the officials who oversee his operation.
Analysis: This time, Israel got the public diplomacy right
Evidence suggests that Israel's public diplomacy efforts during Operation Cast Lead were planned as professionally and precisely as the IDF's military operation. Clearly, both in terms of media relations and information security, lessons have been learned from past experience. Israel put in place what seems to be a well-oiled, focused, disciplined and well-navigated public diplomacy bureaucracy that disseminates messages and supporting materials in a timely and organized way.
Pages
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.