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.
Linthicum Dancer Heads to Cuba to Practice 'Cultural Diplomacy'
Linthicum's Alicia Canterna, a professional dancer, will make an historic trip with her dance company, Company E, when it travels under the auspices of the State Department to Cuba to perform in the Old Havana Dance Festival from Sunday to April 22.
Inside the Kremlin’s Hall of Mirrors
Fake news stories. Doctored photographs. Staged TV clips. Armies of paid trolls. Has Putin’s Russia developed a new kind of information warfare – fought in the ‘psychosphere’ rather than on the battlefield? Or is it all just a giant bluff?
The Iran Deal: The View From Asia
Washington’s long-awaited nuclear deal with Iran prompted relief in Tehran over an end to international isolation, anxiety among Middle Eastern allies over the United States’ “Persian pivot,” and skepticism in the U.S. Congress, given Iran’s long-standing sponsorship of terrorism. The framework agreement will also have wider repercussions — for Asia.
Foreign Agents
At the end of last year, China introduced a draft law that forbids foreign NGOs that engage in activities contrary to "Chinese society's moral customs." In Russia, organizations that receive foreign funding must register as "foreign agents." Egypt, Bolivia, Eritrea, and Zimbabwe have passed similar measures. These governments see malign motives behind many of these foreign-financed initiatives. Are they right to be worried?
ABC Launches Web Portal in China Called Australia Plus
The ABC has partnered with a Chinese media company to open a web portal for Australian content in that country, becoming the first mainstream media organisation to launch a registered web portal in China. The managing director of the ABC, Mark Scott, and its chairman, Jim Spigelman, opened the portal in China on Wednesday and were congratulated by Tony Abbottfor strengthening Australia’s ties with China.
Turkey, Pakistan Promote Diplomacy to Resolve Yemen Conflict
Turkey and Pakistan have turned to political dialogue in an attempt to resolve tensions surrounding the conflict in Yemen between Houthi militias and Saudi-led coalition of Arab countries. Turkey has been in close contact with regional and international powers to seek a solution in Yemen which includes all the country's parties, while not overshadowing its territorial integrity.
Obama's Caribbean Outreach Comes As China Expands Influence
Opening a three-day trip to the Caribbean and Central America, President Barack Obama hopes to capitalize on mutual needs in the face of expanding Chinese influence and weakening power by Venezuela, once the energy juggernaut of the Americas.
Govt Should Use Power of Internet to Improve Welfare
Data show that the number of Internet users in Indonesia reached 72.5 million this year, equal to some 29 percent of the population. The government, Hodiny said, should play a role in bridging the information gap; it should help as many people as possible get connected to the Internet because knowledge improves lives.
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