Good cultural diplomacy is always drawn from the unique.  American country music is one area that projects a wholly American image of the rugged hero sitting high in the saddle or a scorned yet powerful woman singing about lost love. Country songs are about what the French would call la condition humaine, universal stories strummed on a guitar. As such, country music has a vast global appeal.

What does it mean when the term “diplomacy” is grafted onto another word?

How country music shapes America's brand status. 

These musicians are a part of the 10 jazz, hip hop and American roots ensembles that have been chosen by The Rhythm Road to travel as cultural ambassadors for the 2011 season. Selected ensembles tour internationally with The Rhythm Road to foster cross-cultural understanding through their music.

Conductor and University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music professor Rodney Winther has been honored by the state of Táchira in Venezuela for his contributions to music there.

Country singer Kareem Salama shares his cultural exchange tour experience in the Middle East and talks about his unique upcoming album, City of Lights. Last year the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs sponsored a cultural exchange tour for Kareem Salama and his crew in the Middle East.