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.

China’s Influence Threatens American Universities, Experts Say

The Chinese government’s influence over American universities is broad and deep, ranging from such subtle pressures as the denial of visas for vocal American scholars to more overt efforts, including opening Chinese cultural institutes on U.S. college campuses, experts on human rights and education told lawmakers Thursday.

Tags: china, united states, universities, soft power, visas, american scholars, chinese cultural institutes, Cultural Diplomacy

Hollywood Planning a Romance Movie, Because the News Media’s Obama Love Affair Isn’t Nearly Enough

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are getting their own Hollywood biopic. The film won’t be about tough decisions like the Bin Laden mission or the fight for healthcare reform. It will be a romance film chronicling the first date between a young Barack Obama and Michelle Robinson.

Tags: obama, film, soft power, michelle obama, harvard, biopic, madam secretary, political propaganda, hillary clinton

Intelligence Committee Report on Benghazi at the Center of New Storm

The “Investigative Report on the Terrorist Attacks against U.S. Facilities in Benghazi, September 11-12, 2012” has widely been characterized by Democrats and the mainstream media as exonerating the Obama administration. Yet, questions are now being raised about the methodology of the committee and about important information omitted.

Tags: intelligence committee report, benghazi, united states, obama administration, terrorist attack

Gambian Officials Prize Homophobia Over Foreign Aid

Gambian president Yahya Jammeh is relishing his newfound recognition as Africa's most antigay head of state, taking a pass on millions in foreign aid in order to keep his new 'jail the gays' law.
 

Tags: gambia, lgbt, international aid, homophobia, europe, amnesty international, 'jail the gays' law

The 39 Most Iconic Feminist Moments of 2014

In 1998, TIME Magazine declared feminism dead. Nearly 15 years later, it wondered if instead, perhaps feminism should be banned. (...) Indeed, it's clear 2014 was a historic one for feminism. Women stood up for their rights, challenged stereotypes, fought for recognition and took control of the dialogue. The following is a non-exhaustive list of some of the most iconic feminist moments this year.

Tags: feminism, united nations, malala, us congress, lgbt, Transgender rights

Evaluating the US Smart Power Strategy in Pakistan

In this aspect the US ‘smart power’ strategy in its relationship with Pakistan is very important to understand. Pakistan is arguably the litmus test to evaluate if the new US agenda is moving in right direction.

Tags: pakistan, united states, smart power, evaluation, public diplomacy, hard power, hillary clinton, bush administration, global war on terror

Britain Has Lost Its Marbles: Elgin Loan Will Appease Putin

Geoffrey Robertson and Amal Clooney helped Greece fight for the return of the Elgin Marbles. Britain refuses to listen, but has shocked the art world by secretly loaning one of the antiquities to Russia.

Tags: britain, elgin marbles, russia, Cultural Diplomacy, antique loan, The British Museum, propaganda, Duveen Gallery, st. petersburg

An Ailing Venezuela Trims Oil Diplomacy

Some Caribbean and Central American countries are bracing for cutbacks in shipments of cut-rate oil from Venezuela, as Caracas struggles with sliding crude prices and a spiraling economic crisis.

Tags: venezuela, oil, caribbean, central america, economic crisis, social spending, infrastructure, caracas, subsidies

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