The power of culture can often be underestimated as a diplomatic tool, but cultural exchange can not only serve as a universal icebreaker, it can tear down walls and build bridges between the most hardened of enemies. It may not turn foes into instant friends, but it does allow nations to find points of commonality that transcend politics.

On the same day that voters in the United States went to the polls to throw a punch into the gut of the political establishment, some 5,000 miles away, police in Greece had their hands full with a series of bombs mailed to foreign embassies.

Following globalisation and increased competition to attract tourists, markets, talent, investors, events, etc., countries conceive brand management as a key success and competitiveness factor as well as a key item in their economic, social and cultural development.

Co-author: Andras Simonyi

Budapest, Hungary -- In the run-up to the NATO summit Nov. 19 in Lisbon, the transatlantic community must confront not just the burning issues it faces (from Afghanistan to Russia), but the way free nations can and should wield their power for global progress.

More than 120 students from dozens of countries across Europe will attend the conference, including, according to the organizers, “students that hold negative feelings towards Israel.” The European Students’ Union convened its annual conference in Jerusalem on Sunday, the first time the event has been held in Israel.

CPD Advisory Board member Markos Kounalakis co-authored a piece about 'Spectral Power' in the October 27th edition of The Christian Science Monitor.

Indeed, said [ESA Council chairman Giuseppe] Pizza, there is no question of achieving ambitious scientific objectives or opening a significant new chapter in space exploration without a global strategy, including the active participation of every European player.

The leaders of Moscow's 1.5 million strong Muslim community say they desperately need more places of worship. But a plan to build a new mosque has run into local opposition which is being fuelled by nationalists calling for a "clean Moscow" without Muslims and foreigners.