Public diplomacy cannot be regarded just as PR or propaganda. As for the US it is a very good way to reconstruct and to gain leverage in the world.
The role of USA in the world was not only about its military power - it was goin along with culture and values. We all know brands such as McDonalds, KFC, Nike Inc.; we celebrate Halloween and Valentione's Day. The influence the United States has on the rest of the world is huge. American politicians regard Public Diplomacy as integral for Foreign Politics. The Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs is responsible for this area of politics.
"The Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs leads America's public diplomacy outreach, which includes communications with international audiences, cultural programming, academic grants, educational exchanges, international visitor programs, and U.S. Government efforts to confront ideological support for terrorism. The Under Secretary oversees the bureaus of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Public Affairs and International Information Programs, and participates in foreign policy development." ( http://www.state.gov/r/ )
Currently, the Under Secretary position is held by Judith McHale, since May, 2009. She was talking about the Public Diplomacy and how it is connected with national security, in June, 2009 in Washington. I find this very useful in order to understand why is Public Diplomacy so important. She emphasises the role of technological development in spreading information all over the world. The important point she makes, is that "traditional G2G diplomacy is not enough". There are two different levels of public diplomacy mentioned: communication and engagement.
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Yes I personal believe that most kinds of diplomacy is all about cooperation and use of soft power unless let me. What I mean is that most states tend to influence others by either selling their national interest either be through culture or likewise. Yes with the new era of terrorism, states have to be concerned about their territories but I do thing that creation of trust through soft and smart power does indulge an understanding rather than exploitation. Thus to me diplomacy is not through what kind of means you use but it all depends on how it is done and through interaction and communication not forgetting respect of one another.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post. You state that "Public diplomacy cannot be regarded as just propaganda or PR". Why do you hold this view? In your opinion, what distinguishes public diplomacy from propaganda or PR?
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