American Public Diplomacy:

Abstract

Understanding, planning, engagement and advocacy are core concepts of public diplomacy. This chapter examines the concepts and characteristics of American public diplomacy in the context of US President Barack Obama's strategy of global public engagement. It argues that as US public diplomacy becomes a multi-stakeholder instrument and central to diplomatic practice, its institutions, methods and priorities require transformation rather than adaptation. The chapter then explores three illustrative issues: a culture of understanding; social media; and multiple diplomatic actors. It finally concludes that the characteristics shaping the US public diplomacy continue to place significant constraints on its capacity for transformational change. The Obama administration's 'joined-up government' global engagement strategy reflects an understanding of the power of network connections and a world in which multiple actors within and outside of government shape diplomacy. Keywords:Barack Obama; multi-stakeholder diplomacy; Public Diplomacy; social media; United States (US)