The year 2018 is an extremely important year in Polish history as it marks the centenary of Poland’s independence.

thenews.pl

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Numerous events and celebrations marking the occasion will be organised across the country and abroad.

Polish diplomatic posts, institutions and organisations all over the world have prepared numerous special events to celebrate the occasion.

"As a consulate, we focus on public diplomacy towards the American audience and we want to underline Poland's contribution to Western civilisation and intellectual dialogue in the West, and relate that to the present topic," Poland's Consul General in New York Maciej Golubiewski told Radio Poland.

ADA University Offers International Scholarships for Students around the Globe

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Georgia Today

ADA University [JB - see] Offers International Scholarships for Students around the Globe.

ADA University, located in Baku, Azerbaijan, is currently offering International Scholarships named after Alimardan Topchubashov, to bring first-class international education and leadership training to students around the globe. With the application deadline being April 5, 2018, the Topchubashov Scholarship is looking for candidates who have a strong commitment to public causes. The Scholarship is open to all international undergraduate and graduate applicants who have been admitted to one of the ADA University’s degree-granting schools.

ADA University positions itself as a “world-class institution dedicated to preparing innovative global leaders.” Its offers executive education, undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields, a School of Public and International Affairs, School of Business, School of Information Technologies and Engineering and School of Education, where you can earn Bachelor and Master degrees in International Studies, Public Affairs, Business and Economics, Education or Information Technologies and Engineering.

The ADA University vision and strategy is built on four pillars of global leadership, innovate learning, social responsibility and a “thriving location.”

Based on the initiative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, ADA University was established in 2006 under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country. Initially founded as the Diplomatic Academy, it was launched as a pilot project with a mission to prepare highly qualified diplomats around the world; and as its graduates quickly gained success, the educational institution started to grow too, steadily becoming one of the top universities in Azerbaijan.

“Initially, it started out by offering short-term training for diplomats, and as the program gained became more successful, ADA started receiving requests from other governmental institutions in Azerbaijan, who wanted training for their staff, and that’s how, in 2009, it was decided to offer long-term Master’s Degree programs. The first to launch was called MADIA (Masters of Arts in Diplomacy and International Affairs). In 2009, we admitted about 20 young, talented students to our very first Master’s Degree program at ADA,” Samira Aghayeva, now the Third Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Georgia, who was involved with ADA from the beginning, told GEORGIA TODAY.

“We added degree programs in Public Diplomacy, Business and Economy, and ADA also has dual-degree programs, together with the Maastricht University in The Netherlands, which offers one of the top business management programs, so the program graduates receive both ADA and Maastricht University diplomas. ADA has numerous international exchange programs, and is partner to over 50 universities globally,” she told us.

To date, ADA University has faculty alumni covering 46 nations. All university programs are taught in the English language, and the university also offers the preparatory year in English.

“ADA is different from other universities, as it has the first, eco-smart green campus in Azerbaijan, and I would say in the Caucasus as a whole,” Aghayeva said.

“The university admission system is based on the Amercian [sic] model, with prospective students having to submit their applications as a part of the admission process, and have interviews followed by a final evaluation process,” she said. “Due to the increasing demand in the country, apart from programs and degrees offered in the international diplomacy and public policy fields, ADA has been constantly adding new ones to its curricula; for example, an IT program was launched in partnership with the Korean University, and, although it may take several years to add a new program of study, nevertheless, answering the ever-growing demand, the university has an impressive portfolio. ADA is always looking for new talent,” she said, adding; however, that the study process is quite demanding and student counseling is available.

Our discussion then moves to the subject of the Alimardan Topchubashov International Scholarship offered by ADA University, one of its objectives being the preparation of innovative leaders in both vision and global perspective, encouraging commitment to public service and contributing to its development. The Fellowship covers tuition fees and rent during the period of study. The Scholarship does not cover expenses related to student fees, books and utilities. It is open to all undegraduate or graduate students who are accepted to one of the degree programs at ADA schools.

“ADA always attempts to promote an international environment; living and studying in an international setting opens doors to lots of new experiences. They’re coming to a different country, and will experience a mixture of cultures and learn a lot,” Aghayeva told us, sharing why she thinks the Scholarship is worth applying for. “Our students do many international projects while studying at the university and they travel a lot. Within one of our programs, the requirements are that they visit the NATO Head Office in Brussels, Belgium; so there are countless opportunities provided by ADA University, and as the competitivness is growing, it makes other universities in the country shake up a little. ADA has a different approach towards learning, towards experience and practice,” she points out.

Among the requirements, in order to be eligible to receive the Scholarship, applicants will preferably have previous work experience in the public sphere, and their language proficiency should be in accordance with the international language scores required for university education.

“By applying for the Alimardan Topchubashov International Scholarship program, students get the chance to receive an education corresponding to the highest international standards. Secondly, they will be meeting fellow students from all over the world, and they will be exposed to a new, different environment and experiences”, Aghayeva told us.

“Education at ADA is not just theory-based: it also has a strong emphasis on practice, and it ensures that ADA graduates are totally career ready when they finish their studies. Within the University, there is a Career Management Center, and throughout the year, they advise and help students. ADA regularly organizes career weeks and career fairs, where students meet their potential future employers,” she said, going on to stress that apart from high level education, ADA provides a vibrant and intersting [sic]student life filled with extra-curricular activities.

“It’s all very dynamic, something’s always happening. There are cultural festivals, food festivals, chess clubs, language clubs, singing classes, literature nights, and many, many more. There also are ADA talks, and Global Perspective Series, when high profile guests visit the university and give lectures. Whatever’s happening in the world around us is there at ADA,” Samira Aghayeva concluded.

Nino Gugunishvili

01 Februar

Top US career diplomat to retire after year under Trump

(press release), Journalducameroun.com; see also (1) (2) (3)

Uncaptioned image from article

Excerpt:

Thomas Shannon will retire as undersecretary of state for political affairs, after 35 years in which he served as an ambassador, an acting assistant secretary of state and, for two weeks last year, acting secretary of state. ...

Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Steve Goldstein said Shannon’s decision was a personal one and that Tillerson would have welcomed him staying on.

“It’s sad, but it’s the decision of the undersecretary and we respect that decision,” he said, briefing reporters on Tillerson’s plane as the secretary embarked on a Latin American tour. ...

Goldstein said Shannon had been invaluable during the transition and a “walking encyclopedia” of knowledge for Tillerson when the former oil executive holds Saturday morning policy meetings. ...

DC middle schoolers learn more about Philippines

Filipino Reporter

Image from article, with caption: Third Secretary and Vice Consul Darell Artates, the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Officer, delivers a presentation on the Philippines before fifth and sixth grade students of LaSalle-Backus Education Campus.

WASHINGTON — Fifth and sixth grade students of LaSalle-Backus Education Campus received a crash course on the Philippines in the first of three activities under the 2018 Embassy Adoption Program (EAP) on Feb. 1, 2018.

Third Secretary and Vice Consul Darell Artates, the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Officer, presented interesting information on the country, such as location and geography, history, languages, endemic species, festivals, cuisine, and music.

The students actively participated in the discussion by posing questions and sharing observations and comments.

When asked about their initial impression about the Philippines, students and teachers mentioned the words “cool,” “active,” “vacation,” “tropical,” “Manny Pacquiao,” “exotic” and “paradise,” among others.

The students expressed excitement about the next activities, which will revolve around Philippine food, games and fiestas.

“We’re pleased to have this chance to share our culture with kids in their formative stage and have them also exchange views with us. Knowledge facilitates understanding and appreciation of each other’s differences, as well as similarities,” said Artates.

Established in 1974, the EAP is a partnership program of the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) and Washington Performing Arts.

The EAP is a unique education initiative that exposes DCPS students to international perspectives and cross-cultural lessons.

Through direct interactions with diplomats and global representatives from around the world, fifth and sixth grade students attending DC Public Schools can learn about the language, customs, history and culture of their partner’s home country or region.

This is the fourth year that the Embassy is participating in the EAP.

Group photo of some fifth and sixth grade students of LaSalle-Backus Education Campus with the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Officer Darell Artates, Cultural Attaché Lalie Gavino and their teacher Ms. Aja Witherspoon.  (Photo credit: Ms. Aja Witherspoon)

Sudden exit of ambassador pick has Trump facing Korean crisis without key diplomat

Viviam Salama, NBCNews.com 

Image (not from article) from

Excerpt:

The State Department said Wednesday that it is confident South Korea will host the Olympics without incident and that Cha’s withdrawal has no impact on the event.

"South Korea understands we have not yet nominated, that the White House has not yet nominated an ambassador, that the White House will do so when it has a candidate that they are willing — that they are able to put forward," said Steve Goldstein, undersecretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs. "The fact that we do not have an ambassador in place has not impacted  [JB emphasis] the security planning for the Olympic games on behalf of the United States and for South Korea." ...

US Officials: No Specific Threats to Pyeongchang Winter Olympics

Voice of America

Image from article, with caption: Olympic rings are placed on the beach before sunrise in Gangneung, South Korea, Jan. 24, 2018. Gangneung is the site of the coastal cluster which will host ice hockey, figure skating, speedskating, short track and curling for the 2018 Olympics from Feb. 9 to 25.

STATE DEPARTMENT — The United States says it is not aware of any specific threats to the Winter Olympics in South Korea next month, despite nuclear tensions with neighboring North Korea.

Senior State Department officials in charge of security for the U.S. Olympic team told reporters Wednesday they have been working closely with South Korea for two years to prepare for the 2018 Winter Games that begin with an opening ceremony February 9 in the town of Pyeongchang.

Assistant secretary for diplomatic security Michael Evanoff says his team is well aware of the nuclear tensions with North Korea and has prepared for all contingencies.

“I mean, we’re only less than a hundred miles (160 kilometers) from North Korea, so we’ve planned for all contingencies.”

Steve Goldstein, undersecretary of state for public diplomacy, had high praise for the South Korean government.

“Authorities of the Republic of Korea are responsible for the overall security of the games, and we’re confident in their ability to host a safe and successful event this year,” Goldstein said.

Diplomatic security chief Evanoff agreed, saying the U.S. working relationship with South Korea has been “exceptional.”

Senior State Department officials said about 100 diplomatic security agents will be deployed to Seoul and to Pyeongchang for the Winter Games and the Paralympics, roughly the same number that have been sent to previous Olympic games.

The U.S. Olympic delegation will number about 275, and some 60,000 Americans are expected to attend the games, including Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen Pence.

North Korea is also sending athletes to the games. The North Korean government is planning a major parade or rally the day before the opening ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of its military. Goldstein said he hopes North Korea will embrace the Olympic spirit.

“While we would prefer that this parade not occur on Feb. 8, it is our hope, and I know the hope of South Korea, that the North Koreans who agreed to send people to the games to participate will join with all the nations of the world in celebrating the athletes.

Goldstein said fundamentally, the Olympic Games are about the athletes.

Are Americans as ‘Ugly’ as Ever?

Daniel Runde, foreignpolicy.com (Original article contains links.)

Image from article, with caption: Four Grotesque Male Heads. (Wenzel Hollar/Mulvane Art Museum at Washburn University)

"The Ugly American" remains relevant, 60 years after it changed the way the United States saw itself in the world.

The commonly used phrase “ugly American” has come to depict an overseas American who is too loud, too ostentatious, or too arrogant (or all three). The popular expression emerged from the title of a novel published 60 years ago. It caused a sensation, the way that few books have in U.S. history. The novel is a series of linked vignettes about Americans working overseas in the fictional Southeast Asian country of Sarkhan, at the center of American and Soviet competition in the late 1950s. In the text, the titular ugly American is actually a kind, practical, wealthy engineer who is humble, speaks the local language, and works with people in their villages solving local problems — the exact opposite of what the term has come to mean.

The book, by William Lederer and Eugene Burdick, was a national best seller and sold more than 4 million copies. Then Senator John F. Kennedy sent copies of the book to all of his colleagues. At the time, it seemed as though almost all of America’s educated set had read the novel. Today, few people under the age of 60 actually have, yet its message still resonates.

The Ugly American is easily the Silent Spring of U.S. diplomatic and foreign assistance policy. It was also an indictment of American counterinsurgency tactics and U.S. public diplomacy efforts. At the time of its publication, several significant American political figures, including Republican Vice President Richard Nixon and Democratic Senator William Fulbright, denounced it.

The novel, however, is credited with spurring a massive reorganization of America’s economic and diplomatic engagement with developing countries then emerging from European colonialism. Kennedy set about taking a series of sweeping steps in 1961: He set up the Alliance for Progress in Latin America, added to U.S. Army special forces (the Green Berets), proposed the reorganization of foreign assistance through the 1961 Foreign Assistance Act, and created the Peace Corps.

The thinly veiled, fictional accounts of Americans in Asia remain disturbing. Foreign Service officers lacking proper language skills, an ambassador focused on making the rounds at cocktail parties instead of talking to potential leaders outside the capital city, a military attaché being seduced by a Chinese communist spy thus undermining U.S. negotiating capabilities at a critical moment, and U.S. foreign aid redistributed by the Soviets are a small part of the indictment of the late 1950s U.S. foreign policy.

“What about learning to speak a foreign language?” a small wiry girl asked…. “Now, just a minute” Joe said … “How many people do you think we could round up in this country who can speak Cambodian or Japanese or even German? Well, not very many. I don’t parlez vous very well myself, but I’ve always made out pretty well in foreign countries. And besides, it’s better to make the Asians learn English. Helps them, too.”

The Ugly American also describes the minority of successful role models that the authors find: an American Catholic priest who organizes an anticommunist paramilitary force, the eponymous ugly American volunteer engineer, an air force officer, an army officer, and a creative ambassador.

For example, Colonel Hillandale, of the Air Force, modelled after the real-life Colonel Edward Lansdale, speaks Tagaglog in the Philippines, eats the local food, and learns the local culture. He ventures into unfriendly territory and wins over the locals with his language skills, his appreciation of everything Filipino, and his ability to play Filipino music. Max Boot’s new book, The Road Not Taken: Edward Lansdale and the American Tragedy in Vietnam, chronicles the real Lansdale’s life and impact.

The predominate bumbling and insensitive Americans, however, undermine the successful role models throughout the novel.

Reviews and critiques of the book after 1989 look upon its strong anti-communist message as naive and outdated. Certainly, there are parts of the book that give one the same feeling as watching the original 1984 version of the film Red Dawn — set in an alternative timeline in which the Soviets have invaded the United States.

The novel moved the American public because it spoke to America’s deepest fears about overseas threats. The authors wrote the book because they believed that the stakes were high. It was a best seller because the American people believed that communism was a threat and that they actually were engaged in a struggle to not only win the hearts and minds of people abroad, but also that if the United States did not succeed in its objectives around the world, it would end up fighting at home.

In truth, the book prompted many constructive changes. In the epilogue, the authors call for a “small force of well-trained, well-chosen, hard-working, and dedicated professionals…. They must be more expert in [a country’s] problems than are the natives.” The Peace Corps, and certainly the U.S. Agency for International Development, reflected this approach.

Imagine an updated Ugly American, which one could set in a fragile state like Afghanistan, or amid the growing economic competition in Southeast Asia and elsewhere. The novel painted a picture that spurred improvements. But there still remain gaps between what the United States is doing and what it could do to shape the outside world.

Today, although the United States has more foreign language speakers than it once did, it still lags behind in some critical languages. International development has come a long way since the 1950s, but in fragile and conflict-affected areas, the U.S. government could do a better job of working collectively across development, diplomacy, and defense. While the United States was able to weather communism, it has had less success against geopolitical competitors that reap the benefits of the post-World War II liberal, rules-based order without full willingness to participate in it (China and Russia, for example).

Although the world has changed radically over the past 70 years, the United States still needs to remain involved, train specialized professionals for global engagement, and adapt to shifting circumstances.

Daniel Runde served in the George W. Bush administration at USAID. He also worked at the World Bank Group (IFC). He currently holds the William A. Schreyer Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.