The past month exposes the limits of leaders who try to shape the world — and how unexpected actions by individuals can influence the course of history. “The drama of a singular event can supersede years of policymaking,” says Philip Seib, director of the University of Southern California’s Center on Public Diplomacy.

So the conference in Seoul might be about the nuclear issue but the upcoming meeting between premier Yousaf Raza Gilani and US President Barack Obama has assumed central importance...What the meeting does hold is an opportunity in public diplomacy.

Pakistan-Korea cultural links are founded on a cultural agreement signed in 2006 which will be renewed during a high-level visit. The agreement provides for the promotion of cultural exchanges, photographic exhibitions and exchanges of art and artifacts.

Middle East and Asia are usually dominated by stories of war and political confrontations. But in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, Gaza and Malaysia, music, art and dance are helping to bring people together. "It's cultural diplomacy, cultural engagement,"...

The past month exposes the limits of leaders who try to shape the world — and how unexpected actions by individuals can influence the course of history."The drama of a singular event can supersede years of policymaking," says Philip Seib, director of the...Center on Public Diplomacy.

True public diplomacy differs because it has a broader reach, it goes beyond the influential few to the masses, it seeks out a new audience and encourages the communities overseas to adopt a positive and open outlook. This is vitally important for a small country like Australia.