The recent host of the popular television show Eurovision Song Contest, Azerbaijan demonstrates levels of interethnic and interreligious tolerance unknown in the broader Muslim world, especially neighboring Iran. This model should be acknowledged and promoted in U.S. public-diplomacy efforts aimed at the Muslim world.

Nearly everyone likes cultural diplomacy in principle, but some remain skeptical about its value. It is seen by many as soft power at its softest, safe and fuzzy, with more aesthetic rewards than diplomatic ones.

For those of us committed to using cultural diplomacy as a significant force in advancing the national interest, that kind of condescending view is aggravating and we always welcome solid evidence that it is wrong.

Not for nothing has Her Majesty been described as the world’s most effective weapon in the projection of “soft power.” Americans would be quick to salute the victories she has won for peace and goodwill, most recently by going to Dublin and – so it seemed – just watching with mild interest while a man poured a pint of stout.

Hu's next trip to Australia - now as leader - was in October 2003. The Chinese had suggested the visit, with Hu flying on directly after the APEC leaders' summit in Bangkok. The Howard government was pleased and arranged for Hu to visit Canberra on the Thursday. But then US president George W. Bush said that he, too, would like to visit Australia after APEC, nominating the Thursday as his preferred time.

Addressing the students at KC, she spoke about the role of public diplomacy in building bridges between people of both the countries. She said that as citizens of the globe, everybody faced a combination of shared challenges and opportunities. She discussed how US public diplomacy empowered, engaged, and supported citizens around the world.

Under Secretary Sonenshine’s goal was to better understand how public diplomacy can bolster US-Pakistan relations and build a sustainable future for the generations to come....Speaking to students from various universities at Kinnaird College, the under secretary spoke about the role of public diplomacy in Pakistan in building bridges between the people of both countries.