Public Diplomacy

Public Diplomacy and Global Communications

• Public diplomacy is a new and fast-growing field. It is a public and interactive form of diplomacy which involves a multitude of state and nonstate actors and networks. 

• Public diplomacy is a creative way for nations and countries to foster mutual trust and productive relationships beyond official and traditional ones. 

• Public diplomacy includes a wide range of activities, such as educational exchange programs for scholars and students; visitor programs; language training; cultural events and exchanges; and traditional media and social media platforms. 

• Such activities are focused on improving the “sending” country’s image and reputation as a way to shape the wider policy climate in the “receiving” country.

• Public diplomacy involves a wide range of non-state actors with some standing in world politics, including NGOs, non-profit organizations, media organizations, academic institutes, think tanks, and private firms. 

• Public diplomacy actors communicate and engage actively with foreign publics to develop and promote meaningful relationship and understanding among their countries.

• In public diplomacy, diplomats must go beyond bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, as a way to build and cultivate productive relations with new global actors.

•  Public diplomacy incorporates marketing and public relations concepts, such as branding, with the aim of influencing public opinion in the “receiving” country. 

• The concept of soft power is an integral part of public diplomacy, which incorporates cultural assets and political ideals to inspire respect toward the “sending” country.