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American Public Diplomacy as Pseudo-Education: A Problematic National Security and Counter-Terrorism Instrument

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Abstract

This1 paper examines American public diplomacy as a foreign policy, national security and ‘counter-terrorism’ tool. To illustrate, I discuss concepts, policy trends and three specific Presidential directives linked to Cold War Central America, the 1999 Kosovo conflict, and the recent American campaign against the Islamic and Middle Eastern world. I give greater attention to the latter noting Arab and Islamic responses to American initiatives. I further raise questions about America's pledge to re-enter UNESCO with even more troubling implications amidst a significant rift in the Transatlantic relationship. I suggest that American public diplomacy has long been an instrument of ideological power that undermines authentic multilateral educational and cultural pluralist efforts; and that such efforts have increased during its ‘war on terrorism’. I conclude that the principal aim of American public diplomacy continues to be pseudo-educational and indoctrinational, reinforcing United States' power advantage over weaker states and potential adversaries.

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Nelles, W. American Public Diplomacy as Pseudo-Education: A Problematic National Security and Counter-Terrorism Instrument. Int Polit 41, 65–93 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.ip.8800044

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.ip.8800044

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