Public Diplomacy in Conflict Environments

Given the resurgent nationalism across multiple regions and the growing centrality of information technology in sowing the seeds of distrust and violence, it is critical to rethink the role of public diplomacy in combating ideologies and narratives of adversarial state and non-state actors in current as well as emerging conflicts. This initiative seeks to explore priorities and actions in public outreach and engagement to counter information warfare and prevent future conflict.

Events, Conferences & Workshops

From summit diplomacy to sports diplomacy, 2018 saw the role of public diplomacy continue to grow when it came to security challenges on the Korean Peninsula.

CPD hosted a discussion with the author of a penetrating new book on the rapid proliferation and media growth of terrorist organizations.

Internationally recognized experts Todd Helmus (RAND) and Erroll Southers (USC), joined us for a frank conversation about homegrown violent extremism and ISIS’s propaganda campaign.

Who will win hearts and minds: Indispensable America vs. Fortress America. P.J. Crowley had some answers on Aug. 23.

AMISOM Battalion in Mogadishu

A panel discussion hosted by CPD on March 8th featuring counterterrorism experts from DC, USC and beyond.

wikileaks mobile truck capital hill

Journalist Mary Thompson-Jones discussed what the leaked embassy cables revealed about PD.

http://annenberg.usc.edu/events/events/understanding-syria%E2%80%99s-refugee-crisis

Co-sponsored with the USC Knight Program in Media and Religion. 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mariano-mantel/19558668275/in/photostream/

Olga Kamenchuk discussed Russian Public Diplomacy post-Cold War. 

http://www.amazon.com/Isolate-Engage-Adversarial-Foreign-Diplomacy/dp/0804795525

Professors Wiseman, English and Nguyen led a timely and engaging discussion about their book, "Isolate or Engage: Adversarial States, U.S. Foreign Policy, and Public Diplomacy." 

CPD Publications, Analysis, & Multimedia

November 2, 2017

USC professor and prolific author on his new book, As Terrorism Evolves.

P.J. Crowley

GW Professor and former Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs on his most recent book, Red Line.

The author and diplomat answers questions on the leaked embassy cables and the future of public diplomacy. 

This new report shares public diplomacy lessons learned over the past eight years and recommendations for the incoming administration.

Reem Island, Abu Dhabi

A new CPD Perspectives from Vivian Walker.

A conversation with the author of The Secretary.

Geoffrey Wiseman on his latest book.

An interview with the Swiss Special Envoy for Human Rights.

Obama and Clinton at Transfer of Remains Ceremony for Benghazi attack victims Sep 14, 2012

What lessons can public diplomacy practitioners learn from the official public responses to the 2012 attacks on U.S. diplomatic installations in Benghazi?

CPD recently published "Public Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution: Russia, Georgia and the EU in Abkhazia and South Ossetia," the 7th issue of CPD Perspectives on Public Diplomacy for this year. 

Wikileaks may be a shock to the system, but it also might bring certain public diplomacy benefits.

Related CPD Research Projects

January 20, 2021

Principal Investigator:
Elisabeth King, CPD Research Fellow 2021-23

Flags of Libya, Egypt, Tunisia

Principal Investigator:
Lindsay J. Bernstead, CPD Research Fellow 2017-19

This study examined the challenges and opportunities that exist in the case of Egypt, particularly in terms of educational and cultural affairs.