This feeling of mutually beneficial strategic cooperation rather than exploitation is the result of longstanding Chinese educational and investment projects in Africa.

“What works so well about Peace Corps is that it’s not a development organization,” Goyal said. “It’s really more about cultures, languages, and people.”

Our diplomatic and development programs can prevent crises before they occur, so we do not need to send our greatest treasure - our brave soldiers - into harm’s way. As Mr. Gates has said, “Development is a lot cheaper than sending soldiers.”

The EU needs to add more culture to its diplomatic efforts to promote human rights, democracy and development in third countries, says a Parliament resolution. MEPs advocate setting up a "cultural diplomacy" directorate to take charge of cultural relations and promoting European culture.

When Dr Manmohan Singh lands in Addis Ababa, the marked difference between India's "soft power" and China's headlong rush into becoming the continent's go-to country for infrastructure is certain to excite debate again

External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna is starting a three-day official visit to Nepal from 20 April 2011. His visit comes at a time when Nepal is passing through political and economic uncertainties. The deadline for the drafting of the constitution is drawing nearer and the exercise has to be completed within the next forty days.

This week, we're profiling the Young Global Leaders attending the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Food, water, medicine, shelter. For most international children's advocates, these items are high on the list of urgent post-conflict aid. For Johann Koss, Founder of Right To Play International, sneakers and soccer balls top the list.