More broadly, a default would leave America a global laughingstock. Our “soft power,” our promotion of democracy around the world, and our influence would all take a hit. The spectacle of paralysis in the world’s largest economy is already bewildering to many countries. If there is awe for our military prowess and delight in our movies and music, there is scorn for our political/economic management.

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani...urged the Pakistani envoys designated at various countries to work for facilitating people to people contacts with the countries of their accreditation to open up new avenues of cooperation.

Earlier this week Chatham House put out the results of a survey looking at UK public attitudes to the coalition government’s foreign policy priorities. It’s a serious job – a public sample of over 2000 plus a sample of 843 opinion formers – that deserves some serious commentary...

"The contemporary Indian dance stage reflects the spirit of globalisation," Kuchipudi dancer Kaushalya Reddy who hosted an international dance festival here early this year told us. Traditional Indian dance even translates world literature...

Welcome to the Ask the Ambassador, in which Eater meets with different diplomats to discuss their eating and drinking preferences and where they can get a taste of home while they serve their mission in New York City.

When outsiders think about South Asia, they typically picture a region that’s wracked by violent religious extremism, a place where groups like the Taliban, al-Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Taiba are active and deadly. Then there’s the image of clandestine nuclear proliferation...

Meanwhile, China's official media lauded Yao's contribution to "soft power" diplomacy and his country's image overseas. The Communist Party mouthpiece, the People's Daily, said the former Houston Rockets center had projected a wholesome image of contemporary China and boosted the country's "soft power."

U.S. President Barack Obama recently met with the Dalai Lama at the White House despite strong objections from China. Shortly after the meeting, China expressed its high indignation and determined opposition in a stern formal complaint with the United States.