As members of the media are taking to social media channels to deliver important news in real time, a growing number of governments (from municipal to federal) are increasing their engagement as well. Many government institutions are looking to effectively and securely execute their social media strategies.

In the context of major changes and major adjustments of the world, China's diplomacy became an important fulcrum for lifting the “Chinese dream”. China’s new leadership’s visits do not only create a favorable external environment for the “Chinese dream”, but also make opportunities for the docking of “Chinese dream” with the “world dream”.

Qatar Museums Authority chairperson HE Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani said: “We believe that culture is a powerful tool, and the Qatar-UK Year of Culture 2013, as part of the QMA Cultural Diplomacy Programme, is giving us the opportunity to further promote cultural dialogue and build bridges between societies and communities in both countries.”

As Chinese swell the ranks at western universities, the numbers of foreign students studying in China are also burgeoning -- increasing by 10% in a year to more than 290,000 in 2011, according to the Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE).

The South Korean government has taken a lot of criticism over the years for its national branding initiatives. Its “Globalization of Hansik (Korean cuisine)” campaign, launched in 2009 and costing around $20 million, was no exception.

For a while, Turkey’s quest for influence, and its country’s apparent success as an affluent and highly functioning Muslim-majority society, seemed to be having the effect that Ankara desired. In a 2011 Brookings Institution poll of the Arab countries, Turkey was ranked first among countries believed to have played a “constructive role” in the Arab Spring.

Middlepowerism is a difficult concept...The term can also denote states that demonstrate strong diplomatic aptitude through activities like diplomatic activism, coalition building, niche diplomacy, and “good international citizenship.” But for policymakers and diplomatic practitioners, middlepowerism is something very different.

The United States will continue to inspire young African leaders to drive the path towards democracy, peace, and prosperity for generations to come. This weekend, Secretary Kerry traveled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he participated in celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the African Union.