Asia Pacific
![Image courtesy of greenferdinand via Pixabay. Edited by CPD.](https://uscpublicdiplomacy.org/sites/default/files/styles/275x168/public/uploads/Banality%20of%20Soft%20Power_Part%20One.jpg?itok=dh6iy2gB)
In the first of a two-part series, Ilan Manor argues that the concept of soft power has become banal in 21st century public diplomacy discourse.
![image courtesy of madartzgraphics via Pixabay](https://uscpublicdiplomacy.org/sites/default/files/styles/275x168/public/uploads/cyber-security_WEB.jpg?itok=LaBEaJaN)
Responding to disinformation and sharp power tactics requires identification, analysis and categorization.
![Image courtesy of Free-Photos via Pixabay](https://uscpublicdiplomacy.org/sites/default/files/styles/275x168/public/uploads/India%20ASEAN%20Grants_WEB.jpg?itok=s4HY_UfO)
Sudarshan Ramabadran of the India Foundation's Center for Soft Power discusses the soft power of Indian support for Ph.D. grants to ASEAN students.
![Image courtesy of Jeremy Levin via Pexels](https://uscpublicdiplomacy.org/sites/default/files/styles/275x168/public/uploads/Instagram%20Diplomacy_WEB.jpg?itok=QX2DT_7-)
Bond university student Bridget Sprott takes a look at how Instagram has a role to play in nation branding and helping governments connect with citizens.
![Image via Pixabay](https://uscpublicdiplomacy.org/sites/default/files/styles/275x168/public/uploads/Soccer%20Stadium_WEB.jpeg?itok=GpLgduxO)
As an iconic British brand and soft power asset, the Premier League engages a more global audience through its Asia Trophy.
![A scene from Expo 1967. Image courtesy of Shawn Nystrand via Flickr.](https://uscpublicdiplomacy.org/sites/default/files/styles/275x168/public/uploads/U.S.%20Expo%201970_Inside_WEB.jpg?itok=QAMMlU42)
CPD Faculty Fellow and Director of USC's Master’s Program in Public Diplomacy Nicholas Cull underlines the importance of a U.S. presence at Expo 2020.
![Image courtesy of Grete Howard via Wikimedia Commons](https://uscpublicdiplomacy.org/sites/default/files/styles/275x168/public/uploads/1033px-Korea-2008_Gyeongju_Citizens%27_Athletics_Festival-Ssireum-01_WEB.jpg?itok=9_cGgRuz)
UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage program has served as a platform for both cooperation and competition among countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
![Image courtesy of Patrick McLachlan via Pexels](https://uscpublicdiplomacy.org/sites/default/files/styles/275x168/public/uploads/architecture-australia-buildings_WEB.jpg?itok=zQYLc1lW)
Australia has been both on the inside and the outside of the political environment in Asia. How will China influence the country's role in the region?