Soft Power Showdown

News headlines showcased this week how nations utilize cultural diplomacy and other soft power assets to brand themselves abroad. While we saw some soft power triumphs—music diplomacy between the United States and Iran; film diplomacy from Pakistan; and the celebration of 36 years of diplomatic relations between Colombia and Vietnam—there were also some soft power stumbles, notably in India and in China. Also released this week was a “Soft Power 30” list, which ranks countries’ soft power across six categories: government, culture, education, global engagement, enterprise and digital practices. 

Photo courtesy of Trey Ratcliff via Flickr Creative Commons.

Want PD News in your inbox? Sign up for our daily and weekly digests.

STAY IN THE KNOW

Visit CPD's Online Library

Explore CPD's vast online database featuring the latest books, articles, speeches and information on international organizations dedicated to public diplomacy.