More than a century ago, Japanese authorities gifted Washington 3,000 cherry treesto brighten up the city's swampy Tidal Basin. It's still one of the most effective (and affecting) acts of public diplomacy to this day.

The Israeli government will host a gathering of young scientists later this year as part of efforts to improve the image of a state internationally associated with occupation and military brutality. An estimated 400 young scientists from around the world will meet in Jerusalem in August.

A conservative Russian nationalist, Putin has lamented the break-up of the old Soviet Union, not because he regretted the disappearance of communism, but because of the severing of the numerous and deep economic, linguistic, social, and cultural connections that linked most of the fifteen constituent republics of the old USSR.

The Korean Culture and Information Service currently operates in 27 cultural centers in 23 countries around the world. Its master plan is to boost the global image of Korea and assist in events and exhibitions that raise the awareness of Korean culture both domestically and internationally.

One of Africa's leading economies and the world's largest developing country continue to forge even stronger trade, investment and cultural ties that will define the long-term relations of the two nations.

Only in recent years has Russia begun to pay attention to soft power, and develop the tools that might help convey a positive Russian image abroad. In the meantime, China and the United States have developed their own presence in the region, and the Kremlin has seen a decline in Russian language use in the region.

Started three years ago in London by Janet Wainaina, Face of Kenya is a charitable initiative that aims to promote cultural diplomacy, youth empowerment, community cohesion, charitable initiatives and progressive branding of Kenyan products abroad.