The Cuba announcement is the latest example of “soft power,’’ much ridiculed in an age of terrorism, religious extremism and regional warfare. It’s a policy that taps nonmilitary advantages such as technology, financial power and open institutions to push American ideals. 

The head of the nation's global development agency said Wednesday he will step down from his post in February, following an announcement by the U.S. government that it would start talks toward restoring diplomatic relations with Cuba.

As one of the major events of the China-U.S. High-Level Consultation on People-to-People Exchange, "Access China" plays a significant role in promoting Sino-US cultural and educational exchanges and strengthening development and cooperation in the areas of culture and education.

The U.S.-European partnership is central to addressing problems requiring a global response. The commitment of young people to transatlantic problem-solving will depend in large part on their personal experience. There is no better way to inform young people and to make a life-lasting impression than through exchange programs.

The news of Pope Francis’ role in bringing about a new chapter in relations between the United States and Cuba demonstrates compellingly what Holy See diplomacy is able to achieve.

Yes, English will to be the universal language far into the future. Even so, learning languages like Mandarin is imperative. It is a matter of respect for the people with whom we are increasingly engaged in the new global economy.

Now that the decades-long trade embargo between the U.S. and Cuba looks to be a thing of the past, Americans may soon be partying with Cuban goods like it’s 1959. Culturally, however, Cuba’s influence has been here all along.