Authors:Daniel J. Smith Abstract: This paper examines the construction of the ―Self‖ in regional community building—that is, the ―actorness‖ of a regional entity in the international system. Specifically, I address the function of official public diplomacy in regional organization. I contend that formal public diplomacy is a crucial component to the internal identity formation and external image formation processes that constitute regional ―community building,‖ leading to the ―Self.‖ In explicating the development of a regional institution’s actorness, public diplomacy is conceptualized through constructivist networks. I posit that these network representations reflect the continuous nature of identity and image in community building. I have two purposes in this analysis: first, to advance network interpretations of identity formation and image formation, demonstrating the various functions of public diplomacy conceptualized in regional organization; and second, to apply them to the community building of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which explicates the envisaged function of public diplomacy in the ―Roadmap‖ to integration, and in resolving the credibility disconnects of ASEAN’s present actorness. PubDate: Wed, 01 Apr 2015 10:25:43 PDT
Authors:Liang Pan Abstract: The study of public diplomacy often proceeds with an empirical approach, focusing on crafting policy instruments and measuring policy efficiency. But this approach tends to render descriptive and quantitative results. This paper contextualizes public diplomacy in theoretical terms, institutional structure, and policy priority, and points out three common misconceptions in comparison of U.S.-China public diplomacy. It means to draw attention to normative and qualitative approaches that should be applied to the fledging interdisciplinary study of public diplomacy. PubDate: Wed, 01 Apr 2015 10:25:42 PDT
Authors:B. Senem Çevik Abstract: The rise of Turkish soap operas as a phenomenon, particularly in the Middle East, is a fairly new development. These soap operas have become non-governmental public diplomacy tools representing Turkey globally. The shows predominantly project a Western and modern lifestyle addressing everyday hurdles. More importantly, the female protagonists are central to the storylines. This paper examines the role of soap operas as a cultural diplomacy tool within the context of identity and the social implications that are prompted by these media exports. PubDate: Wed, 01 Apr 2015 10:25:41 PDT
Authors:Yelena Osipova Abstract: Soft power has become a popular foreign policy concept adopted by many different governments around the world, despite its lack of depth or broad applicability. The Russian government is among those eager adopters and has, over time, reconceptualized and transformed the concept to make it fit the Russian worldview and specific foreign policy objectives. The paper provides a critical examination of soft power as presented in the Russian official and academic discourse, and examines some of the key strategies serving as foundation for the Russian approach. The paper concludes that according to the current official interpretation of the concept, the most recent events in Ukraine can be seen as an example of Russia’s soft power success. PubDate: Wed, 01 Apr 2015 10:25:40 PDT
Authors:Fernando de la Mora Abstract: Despite a sound political and economic outlook, Mexico’s international image has been on a roller coaster ride. After years of downward spiral, the Mexican moment has again raised expectations. However, structural and systemic factors hamper Mexican public diplomacy at a time when keeping that positive momentum is critical for the country’s national interests. The systemic challenge for all emerging nations derives from widespread confusion and uncertainty regarding future power shifts and dynamics. Whether the world is to be multilpolar, nonpolar, or interpolar, public diplomacy will play an important role in accomplishing foreign policy objectives. Unlike other emerging countries, Mexico has unique historical and geopolitical considerations that can hamper its public diplomacy, or serve as catalysts for sustained growth. Considering Mexico’s unique circumstances, two tracks are suggested for public diplomacy in the coming order: one specifically for the United States and one for the rest of the world. In both cases, the Mexican population must participate in the dialogue and connect its own well-being to Mexico’s international reputation. PubDate: Wed, 01 Apr 2015 10:25:39 PDT
Authors:Bhattiprolu Murti et al. Abstract: This study examines how India uses digital media to connect with its diaspora as part of its diaspora diplomacy. In order to analyze the strategy and its effectiveness, the study operationalized Cowan and Arsenault’s (2008) theoretical framework of three layers of public diplomacy – monologue, dialogue and collaboration – by identifying corresponding layers of social media components. The study draws a more distinctive line between dialogue and collaboration in digital strategies: dialogic entail relationship-building and knowledge sharing, while collaboration creates ownership, relationship transformation and knowledge creation. This analytical lens was then applied specifically to assess the website of Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre, or OIFC, a joint venture between Indian government and the country’s largest trade body, the Confederation of Indian Industry. The study found the OIFC website is geared heavily toward monologue form of communication, emphasizing dissemination of information over genuine dialogue or relationship building with diaspora. PubDate: Wed, 01 Apr 2015 10:25:38 PDT
Open Access journal
[3 journals]
