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.

Does China Care About its International Image?

China’s global image faces challenges - but if asked to choose between its national interests and preserving its national image, China would choose the former. A recent poll conducted by the BBC World Service shows that China’s international image is not that great around the world. Although this year China’s international image is equally divided (42 percent vs. 42 percent) between those who think China’s influence is positive and those who think it is negative, China’s image in Japan and South Korea (two of China’s most important Asian neighbors) is quite negative.

Tags: china, international opinion, China's Soft Power, public diplomacy, bbc world service

Surfboard Diplomacy: Tony Abbott Wants to Ensure Barack Obama is Australia’s Best Mate

Tony Abbott has revealed a secret and unlikely admiration for the world’s most powerful leader, describing Barack Obama as an “extraordinarily gifted man” and a potential friend to rival past ­presidents. But as the PM headed into his first official talks with the US President in Washington today, he pulled no punches in saying he would aggressively push for a historic strengthening of US-Australian relations.

Tags: tony abbott, obama, united states, australia, diplomatic gifts, climate talks, global trade

New Orleans Chef and Musicians Practice Cultural Diplomacy in Russia

Liz Williams, executive director of the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, and Ryan Hughes, who will be the chef at the museum's restaurant Purloo, have traveled to Moscow to build good will through good eats, reports the Advocate. Williams and Hughes are part of a delegation funded by the U.S. State Department that also includes musicians Donald Harrison Jr., Keith Frank and the KIPP McDonogh 15 Middle School marching band.

Tags: russia, united states, government pd, music diplomacy, gastrodiplomacy, us department of state

USAID and GIZ to Support PAC

A statement from the Public Affairs Section of the United States Embassy said under a concluded agreement, USAID and GIZ would make available funds and technical assistance to PAC for the implementation of capacity building activities, advisory services, public hearings, and peer learning with public accounts committees of other West African countries.

Tags: aid diplomacy, foreign assistance, usaid, united states, west africa, germany, ghana

A Different Kind of Drug 'Deal'

Information that was routinely released during the Calderón years is now locked away, including some basic information on the cartels. The government instead talks up its political and economic reforms as “Mexico’s Moment,” in what is little more than a public-relations effort to brush the continuing violence under the rug.

Tags: conflict, mexico, drug trafficking, public opinion

Featured Expert Opinions: Will the World Cup Help Brazil’s Soft Power?

As Brazil prepares for the World Cup kick-off this Thursday, CPD asked a few experts from the public diplomacy community for their thoughts on what hosting the tournament means for Brazil’s soft power.

Tags: brazil, FIFA 2014 world cup, soft power, Cultural Diplomacy, sports diplomacy

Brazil’s Post-World Cup Legacy: Ignore FIFA

Brazil’s hosting of the 2014 FIFA World Cup was perceived as an economic, political and soft power coup for the country when it was announced as the host in late 2007. But it has become mired in labor disputes, not-yet-completed infrastructure, laughable gaffes, deadly accidents and massive social unrest.

Tags: brazil, FIFA 2014 world cup, soft power, public opinion

Hundreds of Thousands of Travelers Urged to Boycott Botswana

A worldwide advertising campaign calling for a boycott of tourism to Botswana, launched by Survival International - the global movement for tribal peoples' rights - has reached hundreds of thousands of travelers. The ad has been published in international travel and lifestyle magazines including Wired, Escapism, Departures and Centurion magazines in France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Japan, and the U.K. 

Tags: botswana, africa, survival international, united kingdom, tourism, human rights

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