Center for Strategic Communication

U.S. Department of State Joins Instragram
Office of the Spokesperson / state.gov

On Monday, September 23, 2013, the U.S. Department of State launches its Instagram account “StateDept” with a short video message from Secretary of State John Kerry.

Showcasing behind-the-scenes images of the Department’s domestic and overseas work, including the Secretary’s travels, the new account will join the Department’s robust presence on social media properties such as Facebook, Flickr, Google+, Tumblr, and Twitter.

These social media accounts serve as a conduit for the U.S. Department of State to inform and engage publics around the world on foreign policy issues.

Obama Defends U.S. Engagement in the Middle East
Mark Lander / NY Times

President Obama said on Tuesday that Iran’s diplomatic overture in recent weeks could provide a foundation for an agreement on its nuclear program, but he warned that “conciliatory words will have to be matched by actions that are transparent and verifiable.”

Comedians For Diplomacy: ‘Give Peace a Dance’
Ali Gharib / The Daily Beast Joe Pompeo and Dylan Byers / Politico

There are still forces—in Iran, in America, and in Israel—that don’t want talks over Iran’s nuclear program to even get started. That’s why some proponents of diplomacy have decided world leaders could use a little extra push to get to the table and cut a deal. The latest iteration of that push comes from an unexpected place: two comedians. And they’re doing it in an unusual way: by dancing.

Hassan Rouhani: Refreshing Iran’s Image?
Javad Rad / the CPD blog

He has only been in office three months now and yet during this period of time he has brought a new sense of hope to Iranians.

Why Do World Leaders Still Write Op-Eds?
Joshua Keating / Slate

Leaders like op-eds because they carry authority conveyed by a trusted news source while giving the speaker more editorial control than they would have talking to a print or television reported.

Service as Diplomacy: The Faces of the U.S. Abroad
Mario Machado / Huffington Post

Whether we like it or not, today’s American soldier in the streets of Fallujah (and the unseen drone flying overhead) is one of the most powerful and lasting images that the United States projects to the world.

Romania Wants to Become a Public Diplomacy Player
Philip Seib / the CPD blog

When public diplomacy issues are discussed, focus tends to be on major powers that are particularly active in this field – the United States, China, Israel, the United Kingdom, Russia, and a few others. But Romania has now announced that it wants to join the big guys’ club, and it is taking purposeful steps toward doing so.

Seoul Steps up Public Diplomacy
Nurul Islam Hasib / BD News 24

South Korea has stepped up its public diplomacy with Bangladesh to bolster its 40-year-old relationship with the South Asian country.

Soft Power, Hard Results in North Africa – Analysis
Ahmed Charai / Eurasia Review News and Analysis

It is time to rethink America’s outlook on North Africa—and Morocco’s king, Mohammed VI, subtly pointed out on his recent trip to Mali the path American policy makers should follow. It involves the “soft power” that Obama Administration officials have often praised, but in an innovative way.

China to Relax Web Censorship in the Name of Economic Growth
Vlad Savov / The Verge

Shanghai free trade zone will have unhindered access to Facebook and Twitter, say government insiders. The goal, as one of the insider’s points out, is to make foreign visitors to the country feel more at home — which in turn is hoped to stimulate more trade and investment from overseas.

 

The post This Week in Public Diplomacy September 25, 2013 appeared first on American Security Project.