How to win hearts and minds in the international political arena? Use social media. From Facebook to Twitter, social media extends the shelf life of government-funded appearances by U.S. artists deployed to such diplomatically sensitive areas as Libya, Iraq and Pakistan.

This is an essay calling for global political reform and best practices in the area of promoting human rights and establishing a lasting peace among diverse cultures and civilizations while at the same time supporting state sovereignty.

Earlier this year, the US Department of State issued its detailed report on the status of "Trafficking in Persons" in every country of the world, Albania to Zimbabwe, it ranks each country as Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3.

Jejomar Binay called for more opera diplomacy to improve and sustain friendly ties between the Philippines and Italy...."What we cannot achieve through the usual channels, I think opera might be a more viable and musical alternative," added Binay

As multicultural media in Canada grows, so is its use by emerging countries "as a way of influencing foreign public opinion, and as a part of their formal foreign policy apparatus," says one academic.

“It’s not easy for all of you, I’m sure, to sum up what this experience has been like for you, but I can tell you that, from where we are, what we are filled up with is pride. We’re proud of you for demonstrating your understanding of the needs of your own communities,” said Tara Sonenshine, undersecretary for public diplomacy and public affairs.

Backed by its gastronomy, martial arts, music and manga culture, Brazil's small but influential Japanese community is wielding soft power to assert ethnic pride and preserve century-old ties..."the main objective, beyond the preservation of the Japanese culture, is furthering the integration of the Japanese and broader Brazilian communities."

The report calls for new measures to build trust and improve perceptions of each other in the fields of education, diplomacy, media and security. They include doubling Australia’s public diplomacy budget, extending post-study work rights to international students, and training Australian teachers in Hindi language in anticipation of it being added to the Australian curriculum.