How do you use online and offline strategies to change, not just policy or corporate practice, but hearts and minds? Everyone might have made their Twitter pictures green during the Iranian elections, but when it comes to really changing the world, the experts say it’s going to take a lot more than a few tweets.

It has been at least five years since Zhao Qizheng introduced public diplomacy to China at the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the top political advisory body in China. However, this form of unofficial, cross-cultural communication faces a rather uncertain future with Zhao's retirement this year as CPPCC spokesman.

While discussing with political advisors in the field of foreign exchanges, Jia Qinglin, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, said the CPPCC should actively promote public diplomacy in a bid to improve support and favor for China in the international community.

Medvedev said at a meeting with journalism students at Moscow State University that “we are absolutely ready to restore diplomatic relations”...In terms of cultural relations, it is difficult to overstate the importance of dialogue between the Russian Orthodox Church and its Georgian counterpart.

Farb believes that Israel’s survival depends on how it conducts business, in addition to its diplomacy and defense. He said that Israel’s technology, our lifeline, brings people from around the world here to study our technology, or to buy it.

In the Middle East, there was little receptivity to Obama's public diplomacy...Given Israeli fears over Iranian nuclear weapons, Obama found himself walking a fine line between possible conflict with Iran and allowing events to take their own course.

Chinese firms investing overseas should focus more on public diplomacy..."They lack in-depth and comprehensive knowledge of the international market, practices and rules, and they are not skilled at conducting public diplomacy with the local communities," said Zhao.

Soft-power, the Middle East and the leadership change have all been hot topics in recent months. This is especially the case in light of China's growing economic clout as its involvement grows in terms of financing a bailout package for debt-stricken Europe.