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.

Social Media: Destroyer or Creator?

Over the last few years we’ve been treated to a number of “Facebook revolutions,” from the Arab Spring to Occupy Wall Street to the squares of Istanbul, Kiev and Hong Kong, all fueled by social media. But once the smoke cleared, most of these revolutions failed to build any sustainable new political order, in part because as so many voices got amplified, consensus-building became impossible. Question: Does it turn out that social media is better at breaking things than at making things?

Tags: Digital Diplomacy & New Technology, social media, social media diplomacy, facebook, twitter

The Success Story of Turkish TV Series in Latin America

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's recent visit to three Latin American countries - Peru, Ecuador and Chile - is a continuation of an earlier focus on the region that started in February last year with visits to Cuba, Colombia and Mexico. It is no coincidence that Turkish TV dramas entered the Latin American market almost exactly at the same time.

Tags: turkey, latin america, culture, smart & soft power, Cultural Diplomacy, television, media, erdogan

AIT Thanks Taiwanese, Wishes Them a Happy New Year in Karaoke-Style Video

With the approach of the Lunar New Year, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) yesterday released a karaoke-style music video featuring its first self-composed song to wish the people of Taiwan an auspicious and prosperous Year of the Monkey.

Tags: american institute, taiwan, Cultural Diplomacy, culture, new year, music, facebook, social media

Google, Facebook and Twitter Tell MPs they are 'Committed' to Combating Online Crime

Representatives from major tech firms Google, Facebook and Twitter have denied their digital platforms are "instrumental" in spreading terrorist ideology across the internet and stressed a firm commitment to combating online crime. 

Tags: digital diplomacy & new tech, non state pd, united kingdom, google, facebook, twitter, violent extremism, isis, propaganda, digital platforms, social media

How Finland Is Marketing Itself — Without Saying a Word ;-)

Emojis are a nearly universal language – symbols that speak clearly across cultures. But Finland has created a set that has a more singular focus: putting a clever and fun spin on the culture and identity of the country.

Tags: government pd, nation branding, digital diplomacy, finland, europe, emojis

As an African-American Woman, She was Not the Typical U.S. Diplomat

Like all countries, America has faced times of trial and struggle, yet it has prevailed due to a strength that is derived from its diversity. Its citizens celebrate this strength during Black History Month, when we honor contributions made by African Americans — including in the areas of civil rights and diplomacy.

Tags: government pd, diversity, women's empowerment, international advocacy, africa, united states, foreign service

Can Justin Trudeau Rebrand Canadian Public Diplomacy?

In conversation last week with members of the global elite at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau again delivered the message that ‘Canada is back’ on the world stage. Repeating that mantra may be good communications practice, but after a decade of foreign policy retrogression, the substantive case will be more difficult to make.

Tags: government pd, nation branding, canada, north america, justin trudeau

Congress Passes 'Electrify Africa Act' to Help Millions Get Access to Power

The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday passed the Electrify Africa Act, after nearly two years of trying to get the measure through both chambers of Congress. […] The bill will provide a framework for a major public-private partnership between the United States and sub-Saharan African countries to help millions of people gain access to reliable electricity.

Tags: government pd, international advocacy, international development, united states, africa

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