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.
Indonesian, Tokyo orchestras come together for concert
In 2008, Japan and Indonesia celebrate their 50th year of mutual diplomatic relations. Over this time, most Indonesians have continued to see Japan as a true, good friend, both in promoting investment and in cultural relations.
Sister Cities create connections and expand global communities
The Minneapolis Sister Cities program met with a group from the municipality of Cuernavaca, Mexico , late last week to discuss the terms of joining the program...The program has a long history in the United States. President Dwight D. Eisenhower started Sister Cities International in 1956 as a diplomacy initiative, according to the program's Web site.
Currently, Minneapolis has nine sister cities on five continents. These relationships vary with each program - from research to information exchange.
We Get More Benefit from Long-Term Food Aid Programs
The main riddle of U.S. public diplomacy is why we derive so little political benefit from our humanitarian efforts abroad. Indeed, we sometimes feel disliked by our allies and clients almost as much as by our enemies. In Latin America or Africa, this is exasperating. In Muslim countries, however, the failure goes to the heart of our central national security challenge.
Obama on the Nile
It would not be an exaggeration to say that the Democrats' nomination of Obama as their candidate for president has done more to improve America's image abroad — an image dented by the Iraq war, President Bush's invocation of a post-9/11 "crusade," Abu Ghraib, Guantánamo Bay and the xenophobic opposition to Dubai Ports World managing U.S. harbors — than the entire Bush public diplomacy effort for seven years.
Ban Ki-Moon´s leadership effort boosts UN public diplomacy
Since being appointed UN-SG on January 1, 2007, Ban has been quick to serve as a trouble shooter in various global trouble spots seeking support from the UN Security Council´s members whenever required.
Berlin radicals don’t bother to protest Bush visit
To the astonishment of local officials and media, not even a token demonstration was registered with the police for Bush's latest visit to Germany. "Bush is not even popular in the role of the enemy anymore," the daily Der Tagesspiegel wrote.
China bans fireworks in Beijing ahead of Olympics
China has banned all fireworks from Beijing ahead of and during the Olympics for safety reasons, state media reported today. "The ban on firecrackers and fireworks will be extended to areas beyond the fifth ring road," the China Daily said, referring to a major motorway six miles outside the city centre. China has already introduced a host of safety measures ahead of the Olympics, as it aims to ensure the event -- designed to showcase its rise as a major power -- goes smoothly.
China says stop Tibet protests to advance talks
China calls on the Dalai Lama and his supporters to halt Tibet protests and attempts to "ruin the Olympics," in order to create the conditions for future roundtable talks.
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