Most people hadn’t even heard of the expo before it came to China. The verdict is clear – The Expo needed China as much as China needed the Expo. It has been described by the Chinese government as “a great gathering of world civilizations”, and is an excellent opportunity to improve ties between two of the oldest – India and China.

The arts industry is serious business here [Singapore]- and its latest boost is the inaugural global arts exchange, Live! Singapore. The event, which began on Tuesday and will end on Friday, will see 1,500 people - such as performing artists, producers and venue owners - from over 50 countries mingling with players in the Singapore industry to establish connections, exchange ideas and, hopefully, ink a partnership or two.

Despite decades of close U.S. involvement in Middle East affairs, most Americans know little about the cultures of the region. Andrea Rugh, however, is an exception. In her new book, "Simple Gestures," the anthropologist explains the cultural differences and similarities she encountered...

Australian Consul General Graeme Swift said, "...The performance will feature a large Australian presence, furthering strengthening people-to-people links between Australia and Vietnam and enhancing an understanding of Australian contemporary art."

A new poll suggests a majority of Britons associate Islam with extremism and the repression of women, but one London-based Muslim organization has launched a public relations campaign to give the religion a new face.

[President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo] also highlighted that the Philippine participation to the global exhibit provides the country the opportunity to further strengthen political, economic and cultural relations with China, in which the nation celebrates 35 years of diplomatic relations.

As the importance of nation branding and reputation management grew in importance, a need was felt by the different constituents of the South African government — South African tourism, the departments of trade and industry, and foreign affairs — to carve a more coherent positioning than ‘Rainbow Nation’.

Co-author: Hailey Woldt

Let’s begin with the positive: the United States is present at the World Expo in Shanghai. The Secretary of State deserves praise for making this possible, by launching an eleventh hour fundraising drive, after the previous administration had done virtually nothing (besides rejecting a proposal that included Frank Gehry as architect). The Chinese cared enough about the U.S. presence to have contributed both public and private funds to guarantee that the U.S. showed up for Expo Shanghai 2010.