April 30

"The question PD students hear most is something like 'So, what will you do for a job?'"; image from

--Katharine, Public Diplomacy Corps

"Never 'work.' But, if you must, start at the top."

--Advice from poet/diplomat John L. Brown to his son, the compiler of this blog; no link

VIDEO

Secretary Clinton’s Remarks at Reception for the Opening of the USA Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai Expo - Still4Hill, When God blessed Hillary, God blessed America!

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Mrs. O: follow the Fashion of Mrs. O: What and Whom She’s Wearing: Image from blog


PUBLIC DIPLOMACY

Remarks at Reception for the Opening of the USA Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai Expo, Ben Franklin Room, Washington, DC, April 30, 2010 - U.S. Department of State: "SECRETARY CLINTON: This is an extraordinary day to celebrate the opening of the Shanghai Expo and to share it with so many who it is literally true to say without whom this would not have been possible. ... And now, let me ask our Commissioner General to the 2010 World Expo you see there on the screen who has done such a wonderful job making sure that the Pavilion got built, got staffed, got into shape to be able to open. ... COMMISSIONER VILLARREAL: We are thrilled to be joining you from Shanghai. I don’t have to tell you how important this day is for China and the Chinese people as they celebrate the opening of World Expo. As you know, yesterday, we were privileged to receive President Hu Jintao at our pavilion. When I mentioned to President Hu and to Vice Premier Wang Qishan that you were hosting an event in Washington, D.C., contemporaneously with the Expo opening ceremonies, they expressed great appreciation. And in fact, while they were in our first area of – the welcoming area where we have this large sponsor wall with the names of all of the corporate sponsors, Vice Premier Wang Qishan motioned to the president to look at the wall. And the president made a point of mentioning how important all of these corporations are to China and so those of you who are sponsors should be very proud of that. Madam Secretary, I’m joined here by U.S. Consulate and Pavilion staff and some of our student ambassadors. The student ambassadors

performed their first official ambassadorial duties yesterday by helping me welcome President Hu, and I must say they performed marvelously. Today, we received the president of Armenia and a delegation from Hunan. Tomorrow, it is the vice president of Columbia and the secretary of tourism of Mexico. We will also receive tomorrow a delegation of U.S. mayors from the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Madam Secretary, your team here in Shanghai, including all of the student ambassadors, are committed to using all of our creativity and energy to fully leverage this very unique public diplomacy opportunity. My deputy commissioner general, Tom Cooney, who is the chief public affairs officer at the consulate, in describing this opportunity has said that there will be more Chinese visiting our pavilion in just six months than the entire China mission will see in more than 20 years." Image from

USC Students to Represent US at World Expo - Suzanne Wu, USC News: "More than 70 million people are expected to visit the USA Pavilion at this summer’s World Expo in Shanghai. Chances are, many of these visitors will be welcomed - in Mandarin - by a USC student. As part of the Student Ambassador Internship Program run by the USC U.S.-China Institute on behalf of the USA Pavilion, students from 38 states nationwide have been selected to serve as national representatives and guides at the event, which begins May 1. USC will send more student ambassadors than any other school in the nation. ... As USA Pavilion Commissioner-General Jose Villerreal told Foreign Policy: 'I am particularly proud that Chinese and foreign guests will be greeted by 160 Mandarin-speaking American college students working as ‘Pavilion Student Ambassadors.’ Drawn from across the United States, from schools small and large, they will add a friendly human touch to America’s representation at the Expo.' ... The theme of this year’s Expo, expected to be the largest World’s Fair in history, is 'Better City - Better Life.' ... For the student ambassadors, working at the event is a unique opportunity to be on the front lines of high-stakes public diplomacy."

On eve of Shanghai Expo 2010, China finds 'soft power' an elusive goal - Peter Ford, Christian Science Monitor:

"Chinese authorities have seized on the Shanghai Expo 2010 – the largest in history – as another chance to enhance 'soft power' that is generated by the spread of cultures, values, diplomacy, and trade. The expo opens this weekend. ... Chinese policymakers and academics are increasingly fascinated by 'soft power,' whereby nations coopt foreign governments and citizens through the spread of their cultures, values, diplomacy, and trade, rather than coerce them by military might. ... But this is not enough, says Li Xiguang, head of the International Center for Communications Studies at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Even the best-paid messengers need a convincing message. 'The United States has built its soft power by making its value and political system … universal values,' he says. 'China will not beat the US in soft power until we have a better and newer form of democracy, freedom, and human rights.' ... Part of the problem, suggests Pang Zhongying, of Beijing’s Renmin University, is that English, unlike Chinese, is an international language. Even with the creation of more than 200 Confucius Institutes around the world teaching Chinese, 'I don’t think China can overcome this difficulty in the short term.' ... 'There is a huge gap between the official Chinese judgment and that of outsiders,' adds Professor Pang. 'There are many intellectuals in China, but a good intellectual is not necessarily an officially recognized one.' The government has opted instead to pursue public diplomacy, or 'overseas propaganda,' as it is known here. ... 'China has a huge soft power deficit,' says Pang. 'The current Chinese model solves problems, of course, but it is also part of the problem. People outside China will pick China’s virtues, but try to avoid its disadvantages. We should learn from such natural choices, from the impression that China can only build roads and schools. That is a problem we must address.'” Elusive image from

Swing and a Miss – Laura McGinnis, manIC: "The Shanghai Expo is officially open and the U.S. pavilion is officially underwhelming--a hastily cobbled tribute to eleventh hour sponsors. The Washington Post quotes a disappointed visitor who criticized the abundance of corporate logos, adding, 'I thought the USA would have some brilliant and exciting stuff. . . . Except for buying some souvenirs, I can't think of anything special about it.' Even its theme (Rising to the Challenge) is mildly cringe-inducing, given that the pavilion nearly folded due to lack of funds. The exposition is of course rife with international swipes and backbiting, a tradition as old as the exposition itself. As Armand Mattelart argues in The Emergence of Technical Networks, expositions have always been symbolic affairs: 'The cosmopolitan rhetoric of universal fraternity and the people's fair scarcely conceals the fact that the universal exposition was a place of rival nationalisms and the production of a public discourse--political and scientific--that consecrated the notion of 'Western civilization' as the beacon of progress for other peoples.' With the current theme of Better City, Better Life, Shanghai is putting an urban spin on the modernization message. But the environment is the same: a roiling mass of people shuttled between one exhibit after another, each nation trying to put on the best show. And in the midst of it, the U.S. pavilion, underfunded by the government and overshadowed by its corporate partners. It may not be selling a fair picture of the United States--but its representation of U.S. public diplomacy is all too clear."

What Americans think of China's rise - Ethiopian Review: "Kamphausen [Roy Kamphausen of the National Bureau of Asian Research] argues while the general public may have a more cut and dry opinion of China, 'the American government has a very focused view.

One could argue that this administration and the previous one have done a not so great job of public diplomacy with their own citizenry in explaining why our relationship with China is important for America’s interest and America’s own economy. The government doesn’t have the same simplistic view that typical citizens might.'” Image from

State Department Briefing on U.S.-China Relations - blogtalkradio.com: "On April 23, 2010 members of the U.S.-China Peoples Friendship Association visited the State Department in conjunction with their 19th biannual Washington Seminar. While at the State Department, Association members listened to a panel session on a range of issues covering the U.S.-China relationship ... . Thomas Hamm, Public Diplomacy Coordinator, Office of Chinese and Mongolian Affairs discussed people-to-people exchanges between the United States and China."

I wasn't criticising S'pore - Jeremy Au, Straits Times:

"Mr David Adelman, on his first day on the job as United States Ambassador to Singapore, spent much of his first meeting with the Singapore media mending fences. Comments he made about Singapore's political freedom two months ago had annoyed many here. So Mr David Adelman, on his first day on the job as United States Ambassador to Singapore, spent much of his first meeting with the Singapore media mending fences. Speaking at a press conference yesterday, he stressed repeatedly that his earlier remarks - on how he would use public diplomacy to promote political freedom in Singapore - were not an attempt to interfere in local politics. He had earlier presented his credentials to President S R Nathan at the Istana. The 45-year-old former state senator of Georgia said his statement was simply an expression of his pride in the American system. It was not a specific comment about Singapore." Singapore image from

Trade is top of agenda for new US Ambassador - Imelda Saad, TODAYonline: "Newly appointed United States Ambassador to Singapore David Adelman ... said yesterday that enhancing trade with Singapore and the region will be his top agenda, and he expects many high-level trade missions here during his tenure. ... Even before stepping on Singapore soil, Mr Adelman had sparked controversy last month when he said he would use 'public diplomacy' to promote greater press and political freedom in Singapore. A few weeks later, he clarified to say domestic politics was 'something for Singaporeans to decide for themselves'. He reiterated this point yesterday: 'We in the United States are very proud of our democracy but have no interest in interfering in the domestic politics or domestic government of Singapore.' We're glad to answer questions on how our democracy works and, at times, we'll even put on programmes here at the embassy - for example, for discussing upcoming American elections. That's the type of public diplomacy I referred to." Image from article


Interview with a US Ambassador: What do you do for a living? - e-shadow.com:

"What do you do for a living? I’m a Foreign Service Officer with the State Department of the United States, and I’m currently the American ambassador to five countries in the Pacific Ocean: Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tuvalu, and Tonga. ... What does your work entail? One of the things I like about my job is that every week is going to be different. I have about 80 or 90 people, local employees and Americans who work for me at the embassy, and each week we have internal meetings to discuss their roles and duties. I usually have a number of meetings of people from outside the embassy as well, either local folks who have an interest in something economic, political, commercial, or maybe other diplomats or international organization types. I also do public diplomacy, the last two days I’ve given speeches at different sorts of events trying to make sure that people are well aware that the United States is here, and what our policies are and why we have them." Image from

Chaos at the Broadcasting Board of Governors - Josh Rogin, Foreign Policy: "The Obama administration's eight nominees for the Broadcasting Board of Governors aren't getting waived through any time soon. Republican senators are seeking to use their appointments as an opportunity to shed light on problems they see at the organization. 'The BBG is the most worthless organization in the federal government,' Sen. Tom Coburn, R-OK, told The Cable in an interview. 'It's full of people who know nothing about media or foreign policy. All they are doing is spending money and somebody's got to look into it.'" See also

Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs: Remarks At The 7th Annual Fulbright And Humphrey Alumni Conference - press release, Article Ant: "Anne Patterson, U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan:


The late Arkansas Senator J. William Fulbright, from my home state, a graduate and later President of the University of Arkansas, was the principal architect of the American educational exchange program that carries his name. Having studied at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar from 1925-28, he well understood the powerful impact on young imagination of a combined international exchange and scholarship experience. He wanted Americans and young people from around the world to benefit from a similar experience. Another extraordinary American politician, the late Senator Hubert Humphrey was widely respected and admired for his liberalism over a long career of service in American politics. After his death, the Humphrey Fellowship program was created to provide mid-career professionals from all around the world with an opportunity to take time off from their important work to study on an American university campus. Since the establishment of the Humphrey Fellowship, nearly 100 Pakistanis have been able to participate in this extraordinary program to refresh themselves, intellectually and professionally, for the important work they do in this country." Patterson image from

8 children from Iraq coming to Md. to learn about baseball - Baltimore Sun: "Eight children from Iraq and five of their coaches will come to Maryland to learn the ins and outs of baseball at Camden Yards and the Ripken Academy in Aberdeen next week, Ripken Baseball announced today. Ripken Baseball, a marketing company that represents former Oriole and Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., is bringing the three boys and five girls -- ages 15 to 17 -- to Maryland, Washington and Virginia as part of a U.S. State Department visitors program. ... This is not the first time Ripken Baseball has worked with the State Department. Ripken was named a public diplomacy special envoy by former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in 2007 and took baseball instruction trips to China in 2007 and to Nicaragua in 2008."

Liberia: Several Nigerians Arrested in US$2 Million Kidnapping Scheme - AllAfrica.com:

"The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) with the aid of securities at the American embassy, is said to have arrested an unspecified number of Nigerian nationals who allegedly attempted kidnapping an American for a whopping US$2m ransom. When contacted Thursday, the American embassy, through its Public Diplomacy Section issued this statement: '...In response to your inquiry, the Public Diplomacy Section of the US Embassy is saying the Embassy has no comments on the matter, and is advising the New Democrat to contact the Liberia National Police (LNP)'". Image from

South Africa - Budget Vote Overview by Thulas Nxesi MP, Chairperson of the IR & C Portfolio Committee, April 2010 - ISRIA: Nxesi: "The development and streamlining of public diplomacy strategies cannot be overemphasized. The Department must be more visible and less elitist in its conduct of South African international relations policy. The Minister must ensure the strengthening of democratic accountability of foreign policy nationally, and ensure there is a national dialogue internally on the policies South Africa pursues individually or jointly with the international community in pursuit of effective global governance."

Shashi Tharoor's New India: Foreign Policy, Citizen Engagement and New Media - Kamala Kanta, Orissadiary.com: "In India an informed citizen in their private capacity does not get any chance to contribute to public policy: the bureaucracy implements policy and the politicians approve it to be implemented. There is virtually no culture of public debate in any policymaking.

The government is reluctant to consult the academicians for policy formulation and feedback. Academia and bureaucracy share a high level of mutual indifference and distrust. It is a gross failure on the part of the Indian state that it has been unable to engage its citizens in public policy discourse. Interestingly, the foreign ministry has a division of public diplomacy that hardly provides any opportunity for the Indian public to play a role in policy consultation. When apathy of the educated for the political system seems to have got deeper and wider, Shashi Tharoor's [former Junior Minister in the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India a former UN Under-Secretary General for Communications and Public Information and a PhD from Fletcher School Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, USA] frank opinion-sharing on twitter attracted many to discuss their views on politics and foreign and security policy." Image from

Engaging Generation Y in public policy - Baker Institute Blog: Insight and analysis from the fellows of the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy: "The Baker Institute also offers competitive internship opportunities for Rice undergraduates interested in public policy. The Jesse Jones Leadership Center Summer in D.C. Policy Research Internship Program enables undergraduates to undertake substantive research, and many alumni of the program have later received Rhodes, Fulbright and Watson scholarships. In addition, for the second consecutive summer, the institute is sending four interns to Paris and Brussels, where they will be working with research fellows of the French Institute of International Relations on subjects as diverse as Asian studies and the European Union. The newest internship opportunity launched by the institute is a student-led initiative on public diplomacy and global policymaking in the 21st century. For a week in June, 10 Rice undergraduates will travel to the American University in Cairo and open a research-driven dialogue with AUC students on issues of mutual interest in Egypt and the United States. Key topics to be addressed include education, mass media, women's rights and cross-cultural communication."

Hugo Chávez: taking the battle to the Internet - Mariana Gonzalez Insua, Mountainrunner.us: "Hugo Chávez' tight grip on Venezuelan media threatens to reach new levels. The Venezuelan leader's recent announcement that every country needs to regulate the Internet and the launch of his 'guerrilla' communicational campaign have sparked fears that his control over the media might be extended to the online world. ... Mariana González Insua is a first year student in USC's Masters of Public Diplomacy program." Image from

The Niqab and Integration--The Doha Debates Chez Chiara - Chez Chiara: The purpose of this blog is to explore cross-cultural Saudi/non-Saudi relationships and their broader Arab-Muslim/Western contexts, as well as the background for improving understanding across these cultures: "Ahmed Ahmed Younis is the former National Director of the Muslim Public Affairs Council in the US and will shortly take up the post of advisor to senior US government officials. ... He is a member of the US Muslim World Advisory Committee of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). He is also a regular speaker at government conferences, briefings and events covering topics such as terrorist financing, public diplomacy, identity/integration and issues affecting the Muslim American community."

Diplomacy & Social Media: A Good Fit? - Jarad Bernstein, Catchfire Media Blog: "As you may know, especially if you attended this week’s Social Media Club DSM luncheon, I formerly worked in public diplomacy for the Israeli government. Every now and then you might even see me send a tweet somewhat related to those days. Foreign policy continues to be a passion of mine, so I feel lucky to have served in that position. ... Now anybody with internet access and a d[e]sire can learn from the diplomatic newsmakers themselves, or those quite close to them. ... Israel’s U.S. ambassador, Michael Oren,

has conducted a number of YouTube interviews, in which he fields questions submitted via Twitter, while Israel’s consulate in New York conducted a news conference using Twitter during the recent war in Gaza. ... It will be interesting to see what kind of impact, if any, the social media-embracing diplomats make through their efforts. Will we see a steady stream of propaganda, or will there be real interactions that shift opinion and determine policy?" Image from

'Daily Show,' 'Fact Check' Bend Facts To Support Obama - Ken Blackwell, Big Journalism: ‎ "Jon Stewart made the case that George W. Bush had more 'czars' than Barack Obama, and even said that he got that from 'Fact Check.' Well, it looks like we need to fact-check Fact Check, because that citation—and thus Jon’s point—are just dead wrong. Going to that website, they list 35 czars for Bush, but only 32 for Barack Obama. ... For example, ... they list Karen Hughes as 'Public Diplomacy Czar.' But Hughes was the Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. Once again, President Obama has one of those too, Judith McHale. This would be Obama’s 34th czar. Once again, Fact Check failed to list her. Once again, The Daily Show staff failed to notice this flaw in its research."

A C B G D - The New Diplomacy 2010: reflective group blog by some of the students on The New Diplomacy module at London Metropolitan University

RELATED ITEMS

Taliban Bestest At Propaganda - Greg Grant, The “speed and decisiveness” of Taliban information operations and its media campaign is its most significant strength. The influence of the Taliban “shadow government” established in local areas is increasing.

Pakistan, US wrongly reported death of Pakistan Taliban head in propaganda coup for insurgents – TODAYonline: Pakistani spies say Pakistan and U.S. intelligence wrongly reported the death of the head of the Pakistani Taliban in a CIA-drone strike and the brash, ruthless commander is now believed to be alive. The reports that Hakimullah Mehsud survived the January attack in an area close to the Afghan border will raise questions over the quality of the intelligence being gathered in the region as well as the wisdom of anonymously briefing reporters about the development at the time. The announcement Thursday represents something of a propaganda coup for the insurgents. U.S. officials were not immediately available for comment.

Anti-Israel Propaganda Shown to Arabic Students? - Charles Johnson, Claremont Conservative:

Look at how the event is promoted: "Unlike any other film ever produced on the conflict, 'Occupation 101' presents a comprehensive analysis of the facts and hidden truths surrounding the never ending controversy and dispels many of its long-perceived myths and misconceptions." Would it surprise you to know that the film has been reviewed as basically propaganda against Israel? Image from

April 29

“To say nothing, especially when speaking, is half the art of diplomacy.”

--Will Durant; image from

PUBLIC DIPLOMACY

Morning Bell: The Ahmadinejad Victory Tour‎ - Conn Carroll, Heritage.org:

“'Bizarre and unsafe' is a generous assessment of the Obama administration’s efforts to protect America from Iran’s nuclear ambitions so far. The Obama administration must change course. The United States should impose and enforce the strongest possible sanctions, even if doing so requires action outside of the U.N. framework, and step up public diplomacy efforts to discredit the regime’s legitimacy and offer support to opposition groups, such as the Green Movement. Most importantly the Obama administration must make the commitment to create and sustain a layered missile defense system, designed to counter every range of Iranian missiles in all stages of flight, including those that threaten the territory of the United States and its allies." Image from

Getting the Message Across: Better Broadcasting to Iran - Mehdi Khalaji, PolicyWatch #1651, Washington Insittute for Near East Policy: "Persian-language radio and television broadcasts are among the main tools of U.S. public diplomacy toward Iran. Yet both of Washington's primary outlets for such broadcasting -- Radio Farda (RF) and the Persian News Network (PNN), an arm of Voice of America (VOA) television -- have been harshly criticized since their inception. ...[T]he best way to ensure strong and effective public diplomacy toward Iran is first to depoliticize U.S. government-funded Persian-language media, and second to continue raising standards, making the news organizations more professional, objective, balanced, and technologically savvy."

The Hill writer writes VOA broadcasts to Iran "to no avail," but spokespersons cite 30% audience – Kim Andrew Elliott reporting on International Broadcasting

A mostly positive assessment of VOA Persian News Network and RFE/RL's Radio Farda - Kim Andrew Elliott reporting on International Broadcasting

Confirmation of the new BBG members: indecision and uncertainty - Kim Andrew Elliott reporting on International Broadcasting

Religion and U.S. foreign policy‎ - Leonard Leo, Washington Post: "Congress created USCIRF [U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom] in 1998 as an independent and bipartisan commission to make freedom of religion abroad a key aspect of our nation's public diplomacy, national security and economic development objectives.

USCIRF was created to monitor religious freedom in the international community based on international standards, and to advise the President, Secretary of State and Congress on the facts and circumstances of religious freedom globally, and provide specific policy recommendations for strengthening freedom of religion for all faiths." Image from

New US Ambassador to S'pore wants to advance trade with region‎ - Imelda Saad, Channel News Asia: "The new US Ambassador to Singapore presented his credentials to President S R Nathan on Thursday, about a month after the US Senate confirmed his nomination. But even before he stepped on Singapore soil, Mr Adelman sparked controversy last month, saying that he would use 'public diplomacy' to promote greater press and political freedom in Singapore. A few weeks later he clarified that statement saying domestic politics is 'something for Singaporeans to decide for themselves.'"

America for Americans, Zimbabwe for Zimbabweans - Philip Murombedzi, The Zimbabwe Guardian: "America's public diplomacy is in tatters. The US can no longer be viewed as the leader in human rights.

With China and Asian giants taking centre stage, that country can no longer claim economic superiority. Mr Obama can no longer claim to represent an administration that is different from George W Bush's. In fact, with Mr Bush you knew what to expect, but with Mr Obama the rhetoric is different from the action. Who is the hypocrite?" Image from

We can't return to our special relationship with the United States - Brian Bow, Globe and Mail: "The White House can only do so much to 'manage' the bilateral relationship, even at the best of times, and these are very challenging times for Mr. Obama’s administration. While seeking stronger ties at the top, Canada must continue to invest in the kinds of diplomatic coping strategies that it struggled to develop in the 1980s and 1990s: building networks and transnational alliances, lobbying Congress, engaging in public diplomacy, grappling with the U.S. legal system, trying to contain American power through formal institutions. That’s a lot to ask of a shaky, shortsighted minority government, but there really is no alternative, and the stakes couldn’t be higher."

World Expo a Launch Pad for ‘New Public Diplomacy’ - Antoaneta Bezlova, IPS:

"Shanghai is playing host to the most ambitious World Expo ever, designed to demonstrate that the country’s communist party leaders are fully in control and the conductors of a carefully scripted ascent to global authority. ... Officially, Beijing intends to use Shanghai for the formal launch of its 'public diplomacy' and the Expo as a showcase of the country’s soft power – its culture, design, tourism and hospitality. 'Public diplomacy is a new concept for us,' said Tang Xiaosun, international relations expert with the Foreign Languages and Trade University in Guangzhou. 'China is now so much the focus of international attention that we need to make sure we have the means to influence public perceptions abroad ourselves.' ... Speaking to the press in March, foreign minister Yang Jiechi said the Expo would be the launch pad for China’s new 'public diplomacy'. 'Public diplomacy emerges with the requirements of the time and now it is just the right moment for China,' he said at a press conference during the annual session of the parliament. 'We are full of optimism that it can accomplish great things.'" Image from

Thimphu Silver Jubilee Declaration - press release, Press Information Bureau: "The President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, His Excellency Mr. Hamid Karzai; the Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina; the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan, His Excellency Lyonchhen Jigmi Yoeser Thinley; the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, His Excellency Dr. Manmohan Singh; the President of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Nasheed; the Prime Minister of Nepal, His Excellency Mr. Madhav Kumar Nepal; the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, His Excellency Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani; and the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, met in Thimphu, Bhutan, on 28-29 April 2010 for the Sixteenth Summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). ... ‎In order to commemorate the 25th anniversary [of SAARC] , the Leaders laid emphasis on effective communications and public diplomacy. They drew attention in this regard to the need to reach out to different sections of the South Asian community, particularly its students and youth, private media, private sector, think tanks, civil society, and institutions of economic development."

His Excellency Muhammad Saleh Bin Bduwah Al Darmaki Inagurates American University in The Emirates Masters Degree In Diplomacy - dubaiphotomedia.com:

"Chairman of the Board of trustees at American University in the Emirates (AUE) His Excellency Muhammad Saleh Bin Bduway Al Darmaki inaugurated the gulf regions first degree in diplomacy during a reception on the AUE campus. The Master degree program is a two year degree in diplomacy based on the American style curriculum with courses in areas such as negotiation, conflict resolution, international relations, world religion, protocol, and etiquette. ... Razzaq, President of AUE stated I believe, increasingly all of us are becoming aware of the challenges we face today that require a complex, multidimensional approach to public diplomacy at the backdrop of the international relations and diplomacy we study." Image from

State Department's Judith A. McHale to Speak at 189th Commencement - colbymagazine: "Judith A. McHale, under secretary for public diplomacy and public affairs at the State Department and former president of Discovery Communications, will deliver Colby’s 189th commencement address Sunday, May 23."

Ciolek Named to Presidential Fellows Program - USC News: "Public diplomacy graduate student Melanie Ciolek

earned USC's only spot in the Presidential Fellows Program — run through the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress — and will travel twice to Washington, D.C., to explore the connections between the presidency and the development of American public diplomacy strategy." Ciolek image from article

Importance of public diplomacy in the contemporary world - Joe, The New Diplomacy 2010 E: "In the present contemporary world with the spread of democracy has created a new environment in the international system to win hearts and minds of people by governments. This is what public diplomacy does by trying to influence foreign nationals and the public with values, policies and actions of their governments to be supported. Public diplomacy can be defined as the efforts of one nation to influence public or elites of the next nation for the purpose of using foreign policy to its target."

How has my opinion about the role of diplomacy in world politics changed since the start of the module? - Natalia, The New Diplomacy 2010 D: "I am impressed by the power of public diplomacy in world politics, as well as how strong the role diplomacy itself possesses in the international arena."

My Understanding Of Diplomacy Today - Camara, The New Diplomacy 2010 A: "In the start of this module, I thought diplomacy was all about cooperation between two states which have their embassies in each other’s country. However, since this module has come to nearly its end, I have learnt a lot of things. These lies particularly from the important role played by Foreign Ministry, multilateral and public diplomacy, not to mention the great work played by NGOs in contemporary diplomatic world."

RELATED ITEMS

Obama’s Entrepreneurship Summit: Propaganda or Progress? - Devon Pendleton, trueslant.com:

Despite the fluff, spin and potential futility surrounding the whole gathering, Obama should still be lauded for holding it. Image from

War propaganda from Afghanistan – Glen Greewald, Salon: The Government and media follow through and declare the war effort broken and the strategy a failure? No; they just pretend it never happened and declare the next, latest, glorious Battle the real "make-or-break decisive test" -- until that one fails and the next one is portrayed that way, in an endless tidal wave of war propaganda intended to justify our staying for as long as we want, no matter how pointless and counter-productive it is. Apparently, if the U.S. Army invades a foreign country, anyone who fights against that invading force -- including a 15-year-old boy -- is a "war criminal" and a "Terrorist," even the Worst of The Worst, which is, of course, all that we're currently holding at Guantanamo. Now that's some robust propaganda.

Pentagon Detonates Afghan Propaganda Bomb – James Gundun, The Trench: From what we can tell the Taliban is getting stronger and the US strategy is in serious jeopardy.

We’ve outlined why at the city level in Marja, regional level in Kandahar, and at the national level. The Taliban’s resiliency would also better explain why the Pentagon is engaged in a psy-ops campaign that centers around US Special-Forces and dead Taliban commanders. Image from

Ron Paul: Iran Sanctions and War Propaganda - David Kretzmann, Freedom Chatter: Great discussion on the House floor from Ron Paul, one of the few members of Congress who understands the flawed logic of sanctions and the false accusations against Iran. Sanctions do not come instead of war, they merely open the door for war and violence. If the U.S. really thinks that blocking free trade in numerous countries around the world will lead to peace, we are in trouble.

Taliban Propaganda Watch (Rc South) – 290115utc Apr 10 - Milnewsca. Contains items dated April 28.

The Abysmal Failure of Tariq Ramadan's Propaganda Tour – Pamela geller, Atlas Shrugs: Stealth jhadist nonpareil Tariq Ramadan's books are not selling at all, despite the onslaught of press he's been getting -- coupled with the extra PR support from a freelance publicist that the ACLU hired for him on his whirlwind tour of America. Not to mention the tacit support of the jihadist in the White House. His publisher seems to think that this is all well and good and that Oxford should continue to shell out money to schlep him across the US. I think they are fools. He's a subversive scumbag who seeks to destroy all that is good in the West. Remember, he despises you.

Iraq: detainees testify of systemic torture at secret prison - Xeni Jardin, Boing Boing: Human Rights Watch has released a report detailing the systematic torture and abuse of detainees at the Iraqi-run secret prison at Muthanna airport in Baghdad. The organization interviewed 42 of the 300 detainees recently transferred from the clandestine prison to another prison facility.

Could drone pilots be tried for war crimes? - Xeni Jardin, Boing Boing: Pilots waging America's undeclared drone war in Pakistan could be liable to criminal prosecution for "war crimes," a prominent law professor told a Congressional panel today.

China – Propaganda Department sets rule for covering Shanghai Expo and Qinghai earthquake - Reporters Sans Frontières

Yiyi Lu: Soft Power Lessons for Beijing from a Chinese Petitioner – Wall Street Journal: In terms of China’s soft power in the West, Beijing does not seem to be in a much stronger position than the petitioner who attempts to make officials listen to her and support her claims. It is a similar uphill battle for Beijing to try to influence Western perceptions and opinions. The difference is that, while the petitioner understands the importance of remaining calm, Beijing seems to lose its temper and get personal all too easily. Beijing is clearly aware of its soft power deficiency in the West. That is why it has invested heavily in projects from Confucius Institutes to new foreign-language newspapers and television channels in an effort to boost its image and influence. However, Beijing’s liability to get angry and personal whenever confronted by perceived Western bias and unfair criticisms suggests that it hasn’t fully appreciated the extent of its soft power deficit.

No matter how much injustice Beijing may feel it has suffered and how unfairly it has been treated, it must recognise that it is in a very weak and disadvantaged position with regard to soft power. To overcome the perceived mountain of western prejudice, distrust and hostility, it has no choice but to show the same self-control and forbearance of a petitioner. Image from

New Arabic news channel to compete with Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya? - Kim Andrew Elliott reporting on International Broadcasting

Al Jazeera English recalls the conversation that led to the channel's creation - Kim Andrew Elliott reporting on International Broadcasting

Kadyrov: Extremist distortions of Islam must be countered - Interfax: Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov said propaganda work must be stepped up to counter the militants' ideology. "A propaganda campaign must embrace the whole of Russia. Bandits sit on the Internet, interpreting the Koran and the Hadith of their own free will. They misinform and manipulate the younger generation," Kadyrov told foreign reporters.

AMERICANA


Cream of Wheat 1956 ad: breakfast is better with ice-cream! – Boing Boing. Image from article

April 28

"Actually, we have misdefined 'hypocrisy.' Hypocrisy is not the failure to practice what you preach but the failure to believe it. Hypocrisy is propaganda."

--From “The Pillars of Unbelief,” National Catholic Register Jan-Feb 1988, cited in Peter Kreeft quotes; image from

PUBLIC DIPLOMACY

Announcing Partners for A New Beginning - Hillary Rodham Clinton, US Department of State: Clinton: "[I]t is my pleasure to announce a new partnership between the State Department and the fittingly named Partners for a New Beginning, a group of eminent Americans who have answered the President’s call to join our outreach to Muslim communities around the world, by helping to engage the considerable resources, capabilities, and expertise of the U.S. private sector. This is a key element of our national strategy, and I am very grateful to the leadership of this effort and all who will participate in it. Partners for a New Beginning will tap into the dynamism and innovation of U.S. industry in a number of ways—for example, by encouraging companies to contribute equipment or technology to the Centers of Scientific Excellence we are developing overseas, or by facilitating partnerships between universities here and those abroad to share knowledge and improve business education.

They will also encourage investors and mentors in the United States to recognize the tremendous potential that resides in Muslim-majority communities, where many entrepreneurs are working against significant obstacles to turn their dreams into reality. More than 250 entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries are here in Washington for the Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship; they represent just a tiny fraction of all those around the world who could, if given the chance, become partners for American entrepreneurs. This group is led by an extraordinary team. Madeleine Albright will bring her considerable experience and stature, and it’s wonderful once again to be working with her. Walter Isaacson, as the president of the Aspen Institute, will serve as vice-chair—and we can’t imagine a better partner than the Aspen Institute, which will also serve as the Secretariat for Partners for a New Beginning. And Muhtar Kent, the chairman and CEO of the Coca-Cola Company, who couldn't join us today, will be the other vice-chair. ... [Isaacson:] Secretary Clinton ... [is] somebody who fully understands the power of people-to-people diplomacy. She’s somebody who understands the partnerships you can make and how America’s strength comes not just from its military might or even from its pure diplomacy, but also from its public diplomacy and what we do together.” Image from

Helping At-Risk Youth - Voice of America: "Under the auspices of the United States Agency for International Development, or USAID, and the International Youth Foundation, ... a two-year Latin American and Caribbean project called the Obra initiative ... officially launched in Jamaica on April 14th. The Obra initiative will be administered from three regional secretariats: one in Kingston, Jamaica; another in Lima, Peru; and the third in Guatemala City, Guatemala, said Director of the Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs at the U.S. Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, John Dickson: 'What is impressive about Obra is what it does hold for the future of foreign policy and foreign policy approach. And that is the notion of partnership. So, not only is it a partnership with other countries, specifically Peru, Jamaica, and Guatemala as secretariats, but they will partner with other countries, they will partner with private sector organizations, and with NGOs. And so the idea of not just building a project to take place in one country, but to partner with other organizations to build projects and to expand and build on existing projects and coordinate is what Obra is all about.' And that is what the approach of the United States is to the region, said John Dickson. It is all about partnership."

Internal report on Syria says embassy lacks clear guidance on sanctions – Josh Rogin, Foreign Policy:

"'The most immediate issue requiring greater clarity concerns economic sanctions,' reads the IG's [Inspector General] latest report on the U.S. Embassy in Damascus. 'There is no front-channel guidance on the issue. The inspection team reviewed email and informal traffic regarding sanctions and waiver policy, and found several areas in which the guidance appeared to be contradictory.' ... And if and when Obama's ambassador nominee, Robert Ford, ever gets to Damascus, he faces a herculean task in resurrecting an embassy that has taken a series of beatings over the last few years. 'Embassy Damascus operates in an exceptionally difficult political and physical environment,' the report notes, citing Syrian government activities to thwart the embassy's attempts to conduct public diplomacy as well as security threats, such as the car bombing of the embassy in 2006." Image from

US Strategy Against Mexican Drug Cartels: Flawed And Uncertain - Ray Walser, Eurasia Review - "The Obama White House has remained generally aloof to complex issues relating to drug consumption in the United States. ... The Administration and Congress must play a bolder, more aggressive leadership role. The elements of such an approach would feature [inter alia]: ... An informed national strategy for public diplomacy and reduced demand that addresses the links between the murderous criminality of traffickers and the individual drug consumer."

Religious Liberty as a Moral Center for American Diplomacy - Joe Carter,centerforajustsociety.org:

"At the Center for a Just Society, Nathan Hitchen has a superb essay [April 6, 2010] in which he argues that religion must be the centerpiece of a successful U.S. public diplomacy efforts." Image from

Afghan boy wants to become an American - Mahtab Farid, Public Diplomacy in Afghanistan: "The dream of being an American has reached all the way to a far village in Ghazni, Afghanistan. Ghazni is located in central Afghanistan and it is known for its historic sites, culture, and Islamic arts. Most of the small districts and the villages don't have access to drinking water and electricity, yet the dream of being an American is in the heart of young Afghans. During a visit to an orphanage with my Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) collegues in Ghazni, we spent some time in a classroom. We asked the children what they wanted to become? They wanted to become soldiers, police officers, teachers and doctors. One of them said, 'I want to become an American.'"

Final Response to An Iranian Editor – Alex Belida, VOA Blog

The dumbing down of diplomacy: disgraced Foreign Office officials should apply to the Obama White House - Nile Gardiner, Telegraph.co.uk:

"If the Foreign Office decides to dispense with the services of their sneering officials who dramatically insulted the Pope in a highly offensive memo, the disgraced young 'diplomats' might find greater success in their careers on the other side of the Atlantic. While many UK employers might balk at their blatant lack of diplomatic finesse, they would likely be welcomed with open arms by the Obama White House, which specialises in insulting friends and allies, and has turned diplomatic gaffes into an art form. ... Satire aside, the Foreign Office débacle over the Pope’s impending visit to London has been a disaster for British public diplomacy. The Foreign Secretary has apologised for the disgraceful actions of the Balliol graduates, who should know better, but the damage has already been done. The incident has not only harmed relations with the Vatican but also has the potential to significantly hurt Britain’s image abroad, especially in Catholic countries." Image from

Statecraft 2.0 and Beyond: Diplomats Plug Into Social Media - Michael Coleman, The Washington Diplomat: "A survey of many foreign embassies in Washington revealed no social media activity at all. Old-fashioned phone calls, e-mail, faxes and face-to-face meetings are still the norm for most diplomats. A good number of embassies do send out regular newsletters by e-mail to keep subscribers abreast of the latest news and cultural events for that country — among them Afghanistan, Britain, Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Iceland, India, Switzerland and Venezuela. But a few diplomats are venturing into the realm of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, and those who do are reporting initial satisfaction with a medium that can be used as an effective — and zero-cost — communications and public diplomacy tool. ... So far ... most embassies are using social networking sites for ... promoting events or tourism, or simply as a tool to help Americans get to know their nations." See also.

Flip side to China's censorship at home: more PR in America - John Hughes, Christian Science Monitor: "While China practices harsh media control at home, it has embarked on a major campaign abroad to present itself as a modernizing and open nation. Its confrontation with Google and tightened control of the Internet, including recent attempts to block Facebook and Twitter, are testimony to the ruling regime’s fear that a free flow of information could undermine its autocratic communist foundation and lead to dreaded democracy. At the same time, it is mobilizing extensive 'soft power,' to convince neighboring countries in Asia, and the world at large, that it is an increasingly modern and powerful – but benign – nation that deserves respect but should engender no fear. 'Soft power' is a combination of economic and humanitarian aid, cultural exchanges, people-to-people communication, and vigorous media campaigning. An example of the ambitious character of the Chinese government campaign is the establishment of 60 Chinese cultural centers, called 'Confucius Centers'

in the United States, primarily at institutions of learning. Earlier this year, Republican Sen. Richard Lugar raised with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton the disparity between the number of these Chinese public diplomacy centers in the US, versus the number of similar American centers planned for China. The State Department has sought budget funds for '8 to 10 such centers of public diplomacy' in the entire world. Senator Lugar has led the charge in Congress for the US to 'get back in the game' of public diplomacy. Secretary Clinton explained that while the Chinese government covers each center’s cost ($1 million to launch and $200,000 a year to run), the US government could not match those figures. As China has emerged as an industrial giant, its media has grown, too, leading to commercialization and competition. ... But the government has remained worried about the kind of freedom that might lead to its downfall. It therefore uses different kinds of intimidation to maintain control." Image from

CPD/APDS Blog - Finding Support for the Confucius Institutes by Chen Chen 4.28.10 – The Rockower Post: "China’s Confucius Institutes have become a public diplomacy phenomenon. Many public diplomacy researchers have been impressed by the rapid spread of Confucius Institutes around the world. In the United States alone, more than 60 Confucius Institutes have been established since 2004. Meanwhile, around the globe, the Chinese government has opened more than 200 Confucius Institutes in over 80 countries."

Mobilizing public diplomacy - Shanghai Daily: "More than 240 countries and international organizations will be participating in World Expo 2010 Shanghai China. The events will provide an ideal platform for the convergence of governments, non-governmental organizations and ordinary people. This will be diplomacy, official and non-official, writ on a large scale.

Public diplomacy is an integral part of a nation's overall diplomacy. People meeting people of different nationalities and cultures exchange something very personal. Prejudices and misunderstandings melt away. In essence, public diplomacy is an exchange of information and opinions. In today's world, the development of any country is not only determined by its national conditions but also by global circumstances. To help the world genuinely understand China, a large developing country with a population of 1.3 billion, we cannot simply count on Western media coverage being fair and unbiased. The communication skills of every Chinese person are important tools in helping the world understand our nation." Image from

Barroso to unveil EU pavilion at Shanghai World Expo - EurActiv: "EU officials hope the pavilion will attract 30,000 visitors a day, or five million of the 70-100m people who are expected to attend the World Expo between 1 May and 31 October. 'The Expo is a unique opportunity for the EU to expand its public diplomacy in China and to reach a large and diverse population that has for the most part limited understanding [of EU affairs],' the officials said, explaining why the European Union had decided to break from normal policy and participate in an Expo outside its borders."

The new frontiers of Israeli diplomacy, ctd.: Danish parliamentarians humiliated - Didi Remez, Palestine Note:

"[A] group of Danish parliamentarians and members of their Foreign Policy Committee visited Israel recently. The influential group, which comprised members of the pro-Israeli Conservative People's Party expected to meet senior Israeli policymakers. In practice, however, the Foreign Ministry was unable to convince any senior official to meet with the distinguished guests. ... The angry delegation went on to visit the PA and Syria, where hospitality was properly bestowed upon them and they were received by leading government officials. The Danish delegation members were further upset after Israel refused to let them tour the Gaza Strip, acting on its prevailing policy to deny such visits until Gilad Schalit is released from Hamas captivity. Subsequently, an angry message was personally presented to Ambassador Avnon by the Danish Committee Chairperson, Mrs. [sic] Eva Kjer Hansen, and he sent it to his superiors in Jerusalem. A senior Foreign Ministry official said he was not surprised. 'It is just a shame, but such things happen all the time,' he said. 'Arranging meetings for foreign delegations with Israeli ministers is practically impossible. Such requests are scorned and we are made to understand it would be a waste of time. For us, such meetings are part of the Israeli Hasbara efforts, and even much diplomatic work will not help after every such unsuccessful visit here.'" Image from

Provisional government accuse Bakiev of Mass Murder - kloop.info: "The new Kyrgyz authorities accused the deposed President Kurmanbek Bakiev of mass killings and abuse of power, before stripping him of his immunity. The provisional government will seek extradition of Bakiev from Minsk. The decree stripping Bakiev of immunity was adopted by the provisional government on April 26, the day after [no first name provided] Beknazarov – one of the senior officials in the provisional government made the announcement to journalists at a press conference. Speaking to reporters, Beknazarov said that the current situation in Kyrgyzstan has stabilized. 'The conflicts and debates are being resolved by public diplomacy. We must not repeat the mistakes of the previous government,' said Beknazarov."

Civil organisations set to work over Armenia-Turkey relations - Aysor:

"A Consortium, involving four civil organisations of Armenia, has been established to work over the Armenia-Turkey relations, organisation’s members announced at today’s press conference. ... President of Armenia’s Union of Businessmen and Industrialists, Armen Kazarian, said that despite the ratification of Armenia-Turkey protocols had been suspended, the initiatives by the civil sector can be useful. 'We can hardly move to friendly relations with our neighbors without rapprochement between the two civil societies, without the public diplomacy,' said Armen Kazarian." Image from

Political Officers in Conflict‭ ‬Zones:‭ ‬Public Diplomacy and Counterinsurgency – Part I – Daryl Copeland, Guerilla Diplomacy: "If counterinsurgency is 80% political, then why ask the military to take the lead in the first place? Their resources have attracted such taskings, yet this is – or should be – a job for diplomats. ‭That said, p‬olicy planning units in foreign ministries have for the most part not been engaged in thinking through the implications. This is regrettable, because political officers and public diplomacy should have a central role in addressing the drivers of contemporary conflict." See also.

Got eggs? Ukraine's "Battle for History"... – Lena, Global Chaos: "Just a couple of days ago we had a discussion in class on whether 'setting the record straight' with foreign publics can actually make for good public diplomacy (the specific case referred to the 'Letter to the Editor' from Venezuela's Ambassador to the U.S. 'clarifying' the various issues raised in the press about Venezuela).

This might not be the most effective PD tool in general (talk of ethos in persuasion!); and yet, at least it gives a chance to get your explanation/version 'out there', especially when the general media coverage is mostly negative and/or one-sided (whatever the reasons). In the case of Ukraine, Russia could certainly anticipate such a reaction, if not on Tuesday, then any time throughout the week." Image from

Tans & PD – Paul Rockower, Levantine: "We had our annual APDS conference on Friday, on Transnational Advocacy Networks (TANS) and Public Diplomacy. The final product was success, the born out of lots of hard work and effort." [An account of the conference follows.] Below image from article

Transnational Advocacy Networks and Public Diplomacy - Katharine, Public Diplomacy Corps: "I am sitting in the Association of Public Diplomacy Scholars annual conference which, this year, deals with transnational advocacy networks and public diplomacy. ... You can find the conference program here. A great line-up. The keynote speaker, Colin Robertson, a fellow at the Canadian Defense and Foreign Affairs Institute, discussed the 'Canadian Experience.' Here are some of my favorite highlights: 'It costs $1 million to keep a solider in country; It costs 1/3rd that to keep a diplomat.' Roberts outlined 5 points of public diplomacy, his sixth.. 'have a good woman on your team.' It takes a real man to admit this. ;) And from an audience member, a good reminder for those practicing PD, the principals [sic]

of good public diplomacy, '1st Listen, 2nd Learn, then lead.'"

Who Sank The Cheonan? – Neon Tommy: "Joshua Saidoff is a Masters Student in Public Diplomacy at USC's Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism. ... This op-ed is part of a parternership between Neon Tommy and the Association of Public Diplomacy Scholars."

Citizen Diplomacy Summit - AskAliki Blog Archive: "Citizen Diplomacy Summit Young Professionals Hors d'oeuvres & Wine Reception & Program by the IVCC Tuesday, April 27, 2010 ... Join us for a networking reception and program on 'The Importance of Building International Diplomacy Skills' featuring Ms. Cari Guittard, Executive Director, Business for Diplomatic Action,

and Former Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. Attend to learn about the Business for Diplomatic Action's national campaign for improving citizen diplomacy and how you can work with our local partners in Chicago to improve the image of Americans abroad. Learn about strategies for improving your international diplomacy skills and how you can take an active role in Citizen Diplomacy-the concept that every individual has the right, even the responsibility, to help shape U.S. foreign relations, 'one handshake at a time.'" Image of Keith Reinhard President, Business for Diplomatic Action from

Corporate Social Responsibility: The Walt Disney Company - Corinne's Pr Blog: "The Walt Disney Company created a video entitled 'Welcome: Portraits of America' in an effort to support public diplomacy. The video was given to the U.S. government to create a 'more welcoming experience for travelers to the country.' (Disney Community) It is now playing at U.S. embassies, consulates and airports. Some flights coming from other countries play it as they arrive in the country."

A Macabre Filipino Election Tale – Where the Past Intrudes Upon the Future - Patricia H. Kushlis, Whirled View: “[B]etween 1992 and 1994 ... I had worked in Makati in what soon thereafter became the defunct US cultural center thanks to parsimony and a misguided American vision of the future. The center was shuttered, the books donated to a private university and the Cultural Section’s remains smushed into an outhouse next to the fortress Embassy on Manila Bay.”

My understanding of diplomacy today - Joe, The New Diplomacy 2010 E: "My personal opinion about the role of diplomacy has changed in that at first I did not have an idea of how and when diplomacy started and at the same time I understood its definition as peaceful mutual agreement between two or more parties rather than looking at it in a broader sense whereby it does involve states. As per now, diplomacy to me is a political process under which states are interconnected with official relations in the framework of the international system."

Relations – Shanna, The New Diplomacy 2010 B: “'The effectiveness of public diplomacy is measured by minds changed, not dollars spent or slick production packages.' Joseph S Nyr [sic], Jr"

Head Of Politics, Press And Public Affairs: British Consulate-General in Atlanta - atlantajobleads.wordpress.com: "The British Consulate-General in Atlanta represents UK interests in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee in such areas as trade and investment, science and innovation, supporting British people in difficulty, and press and public affairs. Further information about the British Government’s US network can be found on www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk.

The head of Political, Press and Public Affairs (PPPA) supports the head of the office (the Consul-General) in building relationships with decision-makers and opinion-formers around the South East region on behalf of the UK. ... The successful applicant will report directly to the Consul-General and will be responsible for delivery of the UK’s policy and public diplomacy objectives in the South East region." Image from

USC communication professor Gordon Stables is looking to revolutionize traditional debate - Cecilia Chung, Daily Trojan: "Stables, who teaches a course called Advocacy in Public Diplomacy: Argumentation and Debate (PUBD 509) is the coach of the Trojan Debate Squad. He debated in high school and again in college, and after becoming a faculty member in 2002, began coaching the debate team at USC."

La Corsia della Vergogna - Beau Geste, Mon Ami -- The Chronicle of My Journey to and through the Foreign Service: "I have thoroughly enjoyed working as a reporting officer in the Economic Section but I'm really looking forward to Consular work too. Rotational tours are a great opportunity to get as wide a field of experience as possible in a very short time. In my first three years I'll have done GSO, Econ and Consular. Now, if I can just find a Political/Public Diplomacy rotation for my third bid, I'll have the hat trick...all five cones in the first five years."

Svenska Digest, Vol 43, Issue 4 - Svenska: "Mattias Sundholm has been the Deputy Spokesman for the European Union Delegation to the US since September 2006. He is also the Deputy Head of the Delegation's Press and Public Diplomacy Section charged with promoting the EU's positions and policies throughout the United States."

RELATED ITEMS

War propaganda, Obama style! Military intervention still remains an option - iranian.com: The new US communication strategy regarding the Iranian nuclear program shows that the new administration has learned that using the same pre-war war propaganda used in the case of Iraq in order to gain support of the public opinion does not work twice, when the first time it became so clear that the public was in fact fooled into a war.

One could therefore say that the current spin doctors of the Obama administration are smarter in their strategic approach, taken that there is still an option of a military intervention in Iran present on the table. It is only a matter of time and interests to find a window of opportunity, in order to wage another war of choice covered with the political narrative that makes the public believe it is in fact a war of necessity instead. Image from

Chinese public relations policies leave much to be desired: Communication expert - oneindia.in: The public relations policies of China leave much to be desired, said Ernest Zhang, the China program coordinator at the University of Missouri School of Journalism and an expert in international communications.