Diplomacy, until recently, was reserved for diplomats. As official ambassadors of governments, it has traditionally been the near-exclusive realm of diplomats to impose visa bans and financial sanctions, advise executives on how to defend national interests and ideals, persuade foreign governments to change behaviors, argue for international energy or trade deals, and negotiate treaties. Today, these activities are increasingly being undertaken by citizen diplomats who force the hands of governments on foreign policy issues, rather than follow their leads.

Therefore, Turkey should not underestimate France's capacity of generating soft power. Instead of unrealistic agendas like “making known French atrocities everywhere,” Turkey should devise more sophisticated long-term strategies that increase its soft power in many countries.

A documentary about the 1994 Rwanda genocide, "Raindrops Over Rwanda," premieres online July 18. Nonprofit group Explore.org, which produced the documentary, will donate $1 for every Facebook "like" to Rwanda’s Kigali Genocide Memorial Center – up to $50,000. The Facebook page is run by a Rwandan genocide survivor who serves as a tour guide at the genocide memorial center.

A few weeks ago, an array of University of Southern California student organizations hosted Genocide Awareness Week. While U.S. diplomacy with Sudan regarding the genocide in Darfur has stalled, the use of public diplomacy can create many opportunities for organizations to advocate for change.