Delicious food and a piano recital by the highly acclaimed Chinese pianist Yundi Li opened the Experience China event in Japan on Monday..."The event is expected to serve as a window through which Japanese people can see a whole picture of China that is separated from their country only by a narrow strip of water," Wang Chen, minister of the State Council Information Office.

“This is an exercise in cultural and public diplomacy to project positive image of Pakistan and to highlight Pakistani culture and heritage,” said Consul-General Fakir Asif Hussain, the spirit behind the event. “Far from being confined within geographical borders, Pakistan Fashion has gone global, leaving its distinct mark on almost every major culture in the world.”

Naturally, many Egyptians will interpret this as unwelcome interference in their domestic affairs. The U.S., then, would need to explain its position, its "red lines," and the consequences for crossing them through renewed public diplomacy, engaging directly with Egyptian political parties and civil society actors.

Over the past few months, I have been privileged to work with a team that has produced a new video, "Visit America: It's Easier Than You Think." The video is addressed to foreign travelers and combines imagery of the incomparable natural wonders of the United States, its vibrant cities, and diverse people, with an overlying narrative describing the straightforward steps to apply for a visa.

This collaborative work is making the case that effective cultural diplomacy need not aspire to control the message. It is not best deployed when closely linked to the priorities of policy makers or defined national interests. Nor is it always desirable for acts of cultural diplomacy to be framed in terms of the goal of the representation of a people.

SportsUnited is ECA’s premier sports exchange program at the U.S. Department of State. Athletes and coaches from a range of sports are chosen to conduct clinics, visit schools, and engage with youth overseas in a dialogue on the importance of education, positive health practices, and respect for diversity.

According to the Brand Finance, Turkey is in the top ten fastest growing brand between other nations. According to their "Nation Brand" research, Turkey boosted its brand value 114 billion USD comparing to last year and leaving Poland, Austria, Belgium, Greece and several other European Union (EU) countries behind.