To understand soft power with Chinese characteristics, we must think of two key concepts in international relations of the Asian giant – peaceful development and a harmonious world. [...] Development as a clear gamble to consolidate its role of a power without threatening the role of any other, especially of United States, in a logic of non-confrontation, although it will extend its influence in Africa, Asia and Latin America. 

Tags: china, soft power, latin america, free trade area of the americas, brics, economy

It's been dubbed “fashion diplomacy” but critics of Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop say the ­Louboutin-loving politician’s hosting of overseas runway shows has gone too far. From celebrating Australian designers creating “modest wear” at an Islamic fashion festival to a fashion showcase in the Taj Mahal, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is spending thousands of taxpayer dollars on promoting Australia as “a creative and innovative nation.”

Tags: julie bishop, australia, government pd, economic diplomacy, fashion diplomacy

The Obama administration announced a major revamp on Friday of its campaign to counter Isis propaganda amid mounting public anxiety about the group’s ability to encourage attacks within the US.The White House said that it was setting up a new counter-terrorism task force that will develop policies to prevent the radicalisation of potential terrorists. ​

Tags: white house, obama, isis, propaganda, violent extremism, united states, counter-terrorism, social media, state department, twitter

Italy has called on China to contribute more to the fight against terrorism and help stabilise the Middle East and Northern Africa, as the world’s number two economy shows an increasing interest and exposure in the region, its ambassador to Beijing says.

Tags: italy, china, security, global aid & development, government pd, terrorism, middle east, north africa, economic development, trade, europe

If you haven't heard of the Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies (FAPE) you will be properly impressed by their great ingenuities. [...] Now FAPE and Crayola are integrating art education with the artworks procured and developed for American embassies, and using them for the enlightened creativity of children in the broader United States school curriculum.

Tags: Cultural Diplomacy, FAPE, arts, culture, crayola, education, united states, National Art Education Association

The Philippines' decision to join China's multilateral development bank marks Manila's renewed effort to befriend Beijing via “economic diplomacy” despite the South China Sea dispute, an analyst said.

Tags: china, philippines, trade, economic diplomacy, government pd, south china sea, beijing, manila, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, economic development, asia

Hundreds of French mosques are participating in a major open-house event this weekend, offering visitors the opportunity to come in for tea and a chat about Islam in a country shaken by jihadist attacks. 

Tags: france, non state pd, Cultural Diplomacy, islam, religion, education, french council of the muslim faith, paris, charlie hebdo

Idea: We need to develop vaccines for neglected tropical diseases in the Middle East and North Africa. [...] Hotez, who was appointed U.S. Science Envoy for the Middle East in 2015, brought his knowledge of these neglected tropical diseases to the turmoil in the Middle East and discovered the makings of a new global epidemic.

Tags: middle east, vaccine diplomacy, non state pd, global aid & development, health issues, north africa, ebola crisis, global health