Diplomacy Perspective Research Articles

Indonesia Interest toward G20 Pandemic Fund: Global Health Diplomacy Perspective

In the last three years, during the COVID-19 pandemic shocks, the discussion for economic recovery and global health development agenda prevailed. To date, the discussion has shifted from recovery to more extensive moves such as strengthen the current global health architecture. Specifically, prepare for the next pandemic and reduce potential risks. Countries around the world are interested in this topic and the Group of Twenty (G20), the premier economic forum summit, also focuses on this issue. This kind of “global crisis responder” experience drives the interesting discussion, how did the COVID-19 crisis respond by the G20? Answering this question, during Indonesia's G20 Presidency, the Pandemic Fund was formally introduced in collaboration with the Pandemic Fund secretariat, marked by a significant event during the G20 Joint Finance and Health Ministers’ Meeting. The rationale behind establishing this fund arose from the challenges faced by low and middle-income nations in securing adequate funding for their healthcare systems amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Depart from that, this significant achievement of the pandemic fund launching raises questions, why Indonesia has an agenda for Pandemic Fund during its presidency? This paper aims to answer this question with the framework of global health diplomacy.

The media in China–Africa public relations: Assessing China's attractiveness beyond economic development assistance

AbstractThis work explores China's African public relations and image‐building effort, focusing on Nigeria. Thus, the paper's purpose is twofold: first, to investigate whether China's conduct of public diplomacy through its soft power resource—development assistance—has effectively shaped positive Nigerian public perception of China, and second, to determine the media's role in advancing China's public diplomacy in Nigeria. Specifically, it explores the interaction of economic development assistance, media, and public relations. I do this by comparing China's foreign direct investment (FDI) in Nigeria (2010–2019) with the public's perception of the FDI's influence on the Nigerian economy (2016 and 2020) and the media's role in shaping public support toward the investments. Utilizing a range of datasets, I find that Chinese economic investment alone is insufficient to substantially shape positive Nigerian public perception of China. Within a framework of mediated public diplomacy, I demonstrate that the Chinese image‐building effort in Nigeria would likely enhance when the country links economic investments with public relations to make the investments more visible through effective media representation.Related ArticlesAyhan, Kadir Jun, and Nancy Snow. 2021. “Introduction to the Special Issue—Global Korea Scholarship: Empirical Evaluation of a Non‐Western Scholarship Program from a Public Diplomacy Perspective.” Politics & Policy 49(6): 1282–91. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12440.Hodzi, Obert, and John H. S. Åberg. 2020. “Introduction to the Special Issue: Strategic Deployment of the China Model in Africa.” Politics & Policy 48(5): 804–14. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12378.Huijgh, Ellen. 2017. “Indonesia's ‘Intermestic’ Public Diplomacy: Features and Future.” Politics & Policy 45(5): 762–92. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12221.

Enhancing cultural sensitivity in the implementation of the Fertility Quality of Life Tool in Sudan: a science diplomacy perspective.

Infertility is a global health challenge impacting quality of life, particularly in low and middle-income countries such as Sudan. The Fertility Quality of Life (FertiQoL) tool, a standardized questionnaire, is pivotal in assessing fertility-related quality of life. However, existing research on its utility has primarily been conducted in Global North and High-Income Countries, highlighting the need to shift away from neocolonialism to promote truly inclusive research and effective healthcare practices. Science diplomacy, through the adaptation and culturally sensitive implementation of research tools, can serve as a catalyst for addressing health disparities on a global scale. This study aims to assess methodological and cultural considerations that impact the implementation of the FertiQoL tool in Sudan, framed within the context of science diplomacy and neocolonialism. By investigating the challenges and opportunities of utilizing this tool in a non-Western cultural setting, we seek to contribute to the broader discussion on decolonizing global health research. Utilizing an explanatory sequential design involving surveys and interviews, we conducted a study in a Sudanese fertility clinic from November 2017 to May 2018. A total of 102 participants were recruited using convenience sampling, providing socio-demographic, medical, and reproductive history data. The Arabic version of FertiQoL was administered, with 20 participants interviewed and 82 surveyed (40 self-administered and 42 provider-administered). We applied descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, thematic analysis, and triangulation to explore methodological and cultural nuances. Most participants were educated women who lived in urban areas. While the ANOVA results revealed no statistically significant differences in FertiQoL scores based on the mode of administration [core score (F(2,99) = 1.58, p = 0.21, η 2 = 0.03) and domain scores: emotional (F(2,99) = 1.85, p = 0.16, η 2 = 0.04); mind/body (F(2,99) = 1.95, p = 0.15, η 2 = 0.04); relational (F(2,99) = 0.18, p = 0.83, η 2 = 0.04); and social (F(2,99) = 1.67, p = 0.19, η 2 = 0.03)], qualitative insights unveiled vital cultural considerations. Interpretation challenges related to concepts like hope and jealousy emerged during interviews. Notably, the social domain of FertiQoL was found to inadequately capture the social pressures experienced by infertile individuals in Sudan, underscoring the importance of region-specific research. Despite these challenges, participants perceived FertiQoL as a comprehensive and valuable tool with broader utility beyond assessing fertility-related quality of life. Our findings emphasize the significance of incorporating cultural sensitivity into the interpretation of FertiQoL scores when implementing it globally. This approach aligns with the principles of science diplomacy and challenges neocolonial structures by acknowledging the unique lived experiences of local populations. By fostering cross-cultural understanding and inclusivity in research, we can enhance the implementation of FertiQoL and pave the way for novel interventions, increased funding, and policy developments in the Global South, ultimately promoting equitable global health.

Scientific research and collaboration in Antarctica: Türkiye's engagement from a science diplomacy perspective

The Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most affected regions by global climate change, requiring a multinational and collaborative effort of concerted actions guided by scientific principles. Science diplomacy has been embraced by policymakers and various stakeholders as a promising approach in international and global politics to tackle this issue and manage Antarctica's governance peacefully through science and diplomacy. The Antarctic Treaty System has been accepted as a model for international cooperation among the countries interested in Antarctic science and governance for many years. However, with the profound changes in the Antarctic Peninsula landscape in recent years due to global climate change, an increasing number of nations with various motivations have been more eager to secure a place at the table regarding the governance of Antarctica, which has become a vital agenda. Scientific research and collaboration have been among the most effective ways for most countries to show their presence in/for the region. This study aims to emphasize the increasing importance of Antarctica from a Science Diplomacy perspective and discuss Türkiye's recent policies and initiatives as an emerging market economy and a potential model for developing countries to engage in scientific research and collaboration in Antarctica from the same perspective.

Kamu Diplomasisi, Göç ve Mülteci Siyaseti: Türkiye Örneği

Public diplomacy, which is a candidate to replace the classical understanding of diplomacy, is based on the idea of explaining the ideas, ideals, values, institutions, culture, and policies of a country or nation to the public opinion of other countries. The aim here is to create a sphere of influence on other peoples and win their hearts and minds. Through public diplomacy, which is based on strategic communication logic, countries' foreign policies can find a wider area of legitimacy. Türkiye has a strong soft power reserve with its ancient history, culture, language, political system, geography, various TV series, and movies. It is also among the most generous countries in the world in terms of humanitarian diplomacy, which is a sub-dimension of public diplomacy. After the civil war in Syria, Türkiye has hosted more than 3.5 million Syrians and has been hosting more than a million irregular migrants and refugees from different countries. Türkiye's migration policies based on humanitarian values are supported by a kind of public diplomacy. Turkey has been hosting millions of Syrian refugees for more than 12 years. During this endless process of hosting Syrians, Turkey has been faced with significant economic, political, social and cultural problems. Turkey, which has to bear the economic, political and social costs of migrants and refugees on its own, has to create public opinion both for the global sharing of this burden and for the establishment of a peaceful environment in Syria and the repatriation of refugees. Public diplomacy activities are a holistic approach that includes the aforementioned public opinion building. This study analyzes Türkiye's migration and refugee policy from a public diplomacy perspective.

A History of the Afghan War (2001-2021) from a Defense Diplomacy Perspective

This paper discusses the asymmetric war in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021 between the United States (US) and the Taliban from the perspective of defense diplomacy. The purpose of this paper is to identify assymetric war strategies and to evaluate defense diplomacy process to create peace. The research is based on qualitative method using secondary data from books, documents, and journals. The study indicates that defense diplomacy had succesfully led to the peace agreement, signed in Doha on February 29, 2020 between the US and the Taliban, which had been in conflict for nearly 20 years. However, the peace creation process is not easy due to the inhibiting factors which play more significant role than the supporting factors for defense diplomacy. Although the US, a super power, is supported by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Pakistan and several other countries, it is not a guarantee for the US to achieve its war objectives. The US goals and strategy continuously changed over time and imprecise in its implementation. The US’s failure to understand the political entity of the Taliban, particulary in the political, social and cultural aspects, is the main obstacle to achieving the US’ war goals and the ease implementation of defense diplomacy.

Cumhuriyetin Yüzüncü Yılında Türkiye'nin İnsani Diplomasisinin Evrimi : Sosyal İnşacı Perspektif

Turkish foreign policy is well known with its special emphasis on humanitarian diplomacy as increasingly witnessed in recent years not only in formal discourses, but also in practice. Türkiye stands today among the leading humanitarian states in the world. The article aims, on the occasion of the centenary of the Turkish Republic, to provide an analysis of the evolution of this humanitarian diplomacy with emphasis on a social constructivist perspective. The constructivist approach, in its conventional form, does not provide an alternative, but a complementary explanation to world affairs where political realism is dominant, without rejecting the latter. This approach helps to better explain how states' foreign policies are constructed, and how states can perceive the external material world, where states are required to act rationally
 
 Methodologically, the article follows an interpretive and descriptive analysis of the policy outputs through constructivist tools, such as discourse analysis, historical and ideational studies. In the article several relevant data is analysed as shown in the tables and charts therein.
 
 Foreign policy is all about pursuing, attaining, preserving and improving the defined national interests of a state. The article argues in this context that Turkish humanitarian diplomacy based on the balance between conscience and power can be seen as a good example to test the role and importance of humanitarian approaches in pursuing such interests. Having started to deploy soft power elements more effectively by diversifying its foreign policy options, Türkiye has expanded the geography of its humanitarian assistance and developed a humanitarian diplomacy perspective that transcends the realist-idealist dichotomy in discourses. with its emphasis on the above-mentioned factors, social constructivism acts as a complementary tool to the realist ones for a better analysis of Türkiye’s humanitarian diplomacy to make it more comprehensive and holistic.

ADMM Strategy in Overcoming the Covid-19 Pandemic: Defense Diplomacy Perspective

ASEAN as a regional organization is considered slow and less unified in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic. In the midst of these problems, ADMM as the main defense cooperation organization was more agile in responding to the pandemic that had begun to spread. This study aims to analyze ADMM's strategy in overcoming the Covid-19 pandemic from the perspective of defense diplomacy. The research uses a quasi-qualitative approach with interactive model analysis technique and with data obtained from literature study technique. The findings show that ADMM has carried out securitization of Covid-19, which has had an impact on the formation of regional perceptions regarding the threat of a pandemic that attacks common interests. To overcome the pandemic, ADMM has deployed defense cooperation in the fields of military medicine and CBR. In the midst of space and time constraints, ADMM was forced to modify their defense diplomacy strategy into virtual defense diplomacy. This model of defense diplomacy is an important lesson for ASEAN's defense diplomacy activities to face the same threat in the future

Arctic science diplomacy of Norway: A case study of svalbard

Svalbard has undergone a major transformation since 1960s upon the Norwegian government's shifting focus from mining town into scientific activities. While the Spitsbergen Treaty provides a common ground for international scientific collaboration, the installation of satellite ground station by European Space Research Organization (ESRO) in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard Satellite Station in Longyearbyen, and research activities propelled by Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) has transformed Svalbard into one of the most prominent Arctic science diplomacy cases. Owing to its unique location and easy access opportunities for researchers, research facilities and substantial infrastructures well connected to international networks, professional and social research environment assuring safety routines and regulations as well as an assisting research strategy, the region is currently perceived as an international hub for Arctic research. On the other hand, Svalbard is expected to undergo further structural changes due to its international and transient population. This article aims to outline the Arctic science diplomacy of Norway based on the Svalbard case. Accordingly, the evolution of scientific communities in Svalbard is examined from a science diplomacy perspective. The future implications of structural changes within these communities are also discussed in the conclusion part.

The Rise of a New Royal Bengal Tiger under the Leadership of Sheikh Hasina: Diplomacy Perspective (2010-2021)

In 2021, Bangladesh marked the 50th anniversary, the golden jubilee of its independence. Highlighting Bangladesh's tremendous development in the last decade, this study synthesizes the findings from a series of policy analyses on the ground of diplomacy since Sheikh Hasina’s arrival into power in 2009 and her leadership that has helped the country be a role model of development globally. Hence, the article explores and analyses the features of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s prudent diplomacy that emphasizes a moving forward strategy, and thus, it has enabled Bangladesh to develop a positive relationship with all its South Asian neighbors while balancing India-China rivalry in the region to pursue national interests most finely. Following a qualitative narrative approach based on existing literature, the study answered the question of how Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has extended leadership towards deepening various types of external relations and the effectiveness of its efforts to foster its economic development.

The North Korean famine and inter-Korean relations - Disaster diplomacy perspective

In this study, we analyze government-level inter-Korean disaster diplomacy in order to assess the impact of the North Korean famine (1994–1998) on inter-Korean relations. By considering disasters as political shocks, we explore how the dynamics of change unfolded over time and, accordingly, whether or not the North Korean famine marked a moment of profound political change in South Korea-North Korea relations. Our study examines disaster aid as a diplomatic instrument both historically and politically, offering the first comprehensive analysis of inter-Korean disaster diplomacy. Based on a qualitative analysis of South Korean aid policies and North Korea's responses between 1995 and 2010, it is argued that despite the North Korean famine triggering a momentary rapprochement, inter-Korean relations have not changed much over the long term. Instead of focusing on spontaneously occurring calamities, such as earthquakes or tsunamis, this study presents the first examination of the long-term implications of a slow-onset, prolonged disaster: famine. By this, we contribute an underexplored perspective to disaster diplomacy literature and a new angle on the research of inter-Korean relations.

Energy democratization policy without democratization of policy governance in South Korea: A participatory democracy perspective

Policy governance with citizen participation has gained much attention in the application of participatory democracy. Accordingly, what conditions are needed to conform to the idea of policy governance and contribute to policy effectiveness? This article answers this question by examining the energy policy of the South Korean Moon Jae-in government. It argues that—in addition to the formation of policy governance—democratizing its operation based on the democratic principles of legitimacy and responsibility is required, and theoretically presents conditions to this end. It then examines the Moon government's energy policy process, featuring nuclear phase-out and fostering renewable energy. The government-formed energy policy governance was represented by public debate committees and policy projects that accompany citizen participation under the banner of participatory democracy. However, it does not consider the democratic principles that led to people questioning its authenticity and brought about serious policy problems that hindered the accomplishment of policy objectives. Ayhan, Kadir Jun, and Nancy Snow. 2021. “Introduction to the Special Issue: Global Korea Scholarship: Empirical Evaluation of a Non-Western Scholarship Program from a Public Diplomacy Perspective.” Politics & Policy 49(6): 1282–91. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12440. Heo, Inhye. 2013. “The Political Economy of Policy Gridlock in South Korea: The Case of the Lee Myung-bak Government's Green Growth Policy.” Politics & Policy 41(4): 509–35. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12029. Kane, John, Hui-Chieh Loy, and Haig Patapan. 2010. “Introduction to the Special Issue: The Search for Legitimacy in Asia.” Politics & Policy 38(3): 381–94. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2010.00240.x. La gobernanza política con participación ciudadana ha ganado mucha atención en la aplicación de la democracia participativa. En consecuencia, ¿qué condiciones se necesitan para ajustarse a la idea de gobernanza de políticas y contribuir a la eficacia de las políticas? Este documento responde a esta pregunta examinando la política energética del gobierno surcoreano de Moon Jae-in. Argumenta que, además de la formación de la gobernanza política, se requiere democratizar su funcionamiento con base en los principios democráticos de legitimidad y responsabilidad, y teóricamente presenta condiciones para ello. Luego examina el proceso de política energética del gobierno de Moon, que incluye la eliminación gradual de la energía nuclear y el fomento de la energía renovable. El gobierno formó una gobernanza de la política energética representada por comités de debate público y proyectos de política que acompañan la participación ciudadana bajo la bandera de la democracia participativa. Sin embargo, no considera los principios democráticos, lo que llevó a la gente a cuestionar su autenticidad y generó serios problemas de política que obstaculizaron el logro de los objetivos de política. 包含公民参与的政策治理在参与式民主应用中获得了许多关注。相应地，需要哪些条件来遵循政策治理概念并对政策有效性作贡献？本文通过分析韩国文在寅政府的能源政策，对该问题进行了解答。本文论证认为，除了形成政策治理，还需要基于民主合法性和责任原则对政策治理的操作进行民主化。本文从理论上提出了实现此举所需的条件。本文随后分析了文在寅政府的能源政策过程，聚焦于逐步弃核与创造可再生能源。政府形成了以公共辩论委员会和政策项目（以参与式民主的名义包含公民参与）为代表的能源政策治理。不过，这种政策治理并未考量民主原则，导致民众质疑其真实性，并带来严重的政策问题，后者阻碍了政策目标的实现。

The European Union as a Maritime Security Provider – The Naval Diplomacy Perspective

The aim of this article is to assess how the European Union advances its role as a global security actor and how it deploys the military forces provided by the member states. Tracing the current debate of the identity and means of the European Union, we analyze the two maritime operations, EU NAVFOR Somalia (Operation Atalanta) and EUNAVFOR MED (Operation Sophia) from a naval diplomacy perspective. Naval diplomacy acknowledge a more versatile role for naval forces, not just military advancement and force projection. For this purpose, we need to go beyond mission descriptions and operational mandates in order to analyze and assess the two operations from within, relying on internal reports and interviews with senior officers who have participated in the operations. Results show that naval forces seeks cooperation with International organizations, NGOs, and third countries in order to facilitate security and good order of the global common of international water. Still, complex security problems are not resolved in this manner and EU maritime operations are highly political, thus facing an uncertain future as a tool of CSDP.

The North Korean Famine and Inter-Korean Relations - Disaster Diplomacy Perspective

The North Korean Famine and Inter-Korean Relations - Disaster Diplomacy Perspective

National Polar Research as a Manifestation of Turkey’s Soft Power

In the global economy of the 21st century, the production of information and technology and the process of its transformation into economic benefit have become the most important parameter in the relative distribution of power among states. Intending to have a larger share of the global economic pie, Turkey has been trying to conduct an efficient public diplomacy process. Turkish Polar Scientific Expeditions and Researches, which are conducted with national and international academic partnerships, are examined in the context of soft power and public diplomacy. The aim of this study is, as a successful public diplomacy case, to present the prospective contributions of these researches to Turkey’s soft power capacity from science diplomacy perspective.

International scholarship for social change? Re‐contextualizing Global Korea Scholarship alumni’s perceptions of justice and diversity in South Korea

AbstractThis study examines South Korea’s international scholarship program based on responses to the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) alumni survey to find how the participants perceive the host country’s dimensions of justice and diversity. We employ the concept of justice in terms of redistribution, recognition, and representation. Analysis of GKS alumni perceptions of Korean society revealed that international mobility programs may provide positive and negative experiences for the participants depending on their positionality in terms of gender, ethnicity, and Korean language proficiency. Some had the exclusive opportunity to access global knowledge, skills, and networks. Others were exposed to unexpected misrepresentation and misframing while living and learning in the new society. We suggest the need for multidimensional policy discussions to consider both positive and negative outcomes of international scholarship programs and their potential to play a transformative role in global higher education.Related Articles in this Special IssueAyhan, Kadir Jun, and Nancy Snow. 2021. “Introduction to the Special Issue—Global Korea Scholarship: Empirical Evaluation of a non‐Western Scholarship Program from a Public Diplomacy Perspective.” Politics & Policy 49(6): 1282–1291. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12440.Jon, Jae‐Eun, and Kadir Jun Ayhan. 2021. “Satisfied or Dissatisfied: The Determinants of Global Korea Scholarship Recipients’ Satisfaction with Life in Korea.” Politics & Policy 49(6): 1391–1414. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12437.Perez, Loarre Andreu, Myoung‐Gi Chon, Kelly Vibber, and Jeong‐Nam Kim. 2021. “Classifying Foreign Publics: Examining the Relationships Behavioral Experience, Symbolic Environment, and Communication Behaviors among Key Foreign Publics.” Politics & Policy 49(6): 1308–1322. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12439

Global Korea Scholarship students: Intention to stay in the host country to work or study after graduation

AbstractOver the past few decades, South Korea has increasingly sought to attract international talent. Every year, hundreds of students are invited to study in the country on a competitive scholarship provided by the government. Upon graduation, students are equipped with a tertiary degree, as well as knowledge of the Korean language and culture. This study examines the determinants of intention to stay in South Korea to work or study after graduation, using a 2019 survey of Global Korea Scholarship recipients (n = 524). We draw upon literature in student mobility and examine determinants of two‐step migration, including satisfaction with the scholarship program, university experiences, social integration, and life in the host country. Results from the statistical analysis show that academic satisfaction, social adjustment, and satisfaction with life in South Korea are positively associated with participants' intentions to stay in the country to work or study after graduation. The findings highlight the role of academic institutions and host communities in influencing students' poststudy plans and point to the need for policy measures that approach talent retention with simultaneous attention to integration and satisfaction, both within and beyond campus.Related Articles in this Special IssueAyhan, Kadir Jun, and Nancy Snow. 2021. “Introduction to the Special Issue—Global Korea Scholarship: Empirical Evaluation of a non‐Western Scholarship Program from a Public Diplomacy Perspective.” Politics & Policy 49(6): 1282–1291. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12440.Lee, Hyelim, and Nancy Snow. 2021. “Gendered Experience in Student Mobility Programs—Global Korea Scholarship Recipients' Evaluation of Korea's Country Image.” Politics & Policy 49(6): 1343–1358. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12441.Perez, Loarre Andreu, Myoung‐Gi Chon, Kelly Vibber, and Jeong‐Nam Kim. 2021. “Classifying Foreign Publics: Examining the Relationships Behavioral Experience, Symbolic Environment, and Communication Behaviors among Key Foreign Publics.” Politics & Policy 49(6): 1308–1322. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12439.

Gendered experience in student mobility programs—Global Korea Scholarship recipients' evaluation of Korea's country image

AbstractAccording to 2012 Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) statistics, 11 of 19 OECD countries have a higher female international student participation ratio in student mobility. South Korea has a higher ratio of female international students in general and a higher ratio of female Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) recipients. In 2018 and 2019, we surveyed GKS students about their evaluation of South Korea's country image and discovered significant differences by gender. Female students tend to show a lower cognitive and affective evaluation of the GKS country image experience than male students. We aim to uncover the determinants of these asymmetrical gender‐based differences in the perceived country image of South Korea. Two adjustment indicators (emotional well‐being and feeling part of society) and three adjustment factors (language skills, length of stay, and perceived discrimination) were examined to explore the determinants of gendered favorability toward the country. The findings suggest that female and male GKS recipients have different gendered experiences in the country, which, in turn, impacts their evaluation of South Korea's country image. The findings contribute to the country image and public diplomacy studies and practice, particularly in sponsored student mobility programs, which often fail to distinguish gendered experiences in their analysis or program planning.Related Articles in this Special IssueAyhan, Kadir Jun, and Nancy Snow. 2021. “Introduction to the Special Issue—Global Korea Scholarship: Empirical Evaluation of a non‐Western Scholarship Program from a Public Diplomacy Perspective.” Politics & Policy 49(6): 1282–1291. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12440.Istad, Felicia, Eriks Varpahovskis, Ekra Miezan, and Kadir Jun Ayhan. 2021. “Global Korea Scholarship Students: Intention to Stay in the Host Country to Work or Study after Graduation.” Politics & Policy 49(6): 1323–1342. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12436.Tam, Lisa, and Kadir Jun Ayhan. 2021. “Evaluations of People, Affection, and Recommendation for a Host Country: A Study of Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Recipients.” Politics & Policy 49(6): 1292–1307. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12438.

Introduction to the special issue—Global Korea Scholarship: Empirical evaluation of a non‐Western scholarship program from a public diplomacy perspective

AbstractMost governments offer scholarships for international students as part of their public diplomacy toolbox. However, empirical assessments of these programs are relatively rare. The limited number of existing works often concern Western countries, while international student mobility programs in non‐Western countries remain insufficiently researched. This special issue addresses these two gaps in the literature. All the articles utilize a unique and rich dataset of the perspectives of Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) recipients about South Korea. This dataset consists of four surveys conducted in 2018 and 2019 of GKS students, alumni, and pre‐arrival inbound students. There are over 200 variables, most of which are about GKS recipients’ cognitive and affective evaluation of Korea, their Korea‐related behaviors, their perceptions of how they are treated by Koreans, their satisfaction with studying in Korea, satisfaction with university and language school, and integration into Korean society. The articles look at various aspects of GKS as a public diplomacy tool, including the determinants of positive recommendations toward Korea as a study or tourism destination, the relationship between behavioral experience, symbolic environment and communication behaviors, determinants of students’ intentions to stay in the host country, gendered dynamics of the scholarship, students’ perspectives on justice based on their experiences in, and beliefs about, the host country, and the determinants of students’ satisfaction with life in Korea.Related Articles in this Special IssueIstad, Felicia, Eriks Varpahovskis, Ekra Miezan, and Kadir Jun Ayhan. 2021. “Global Korea Scholarship Students: Intention to Stay in the Host Country to Work or Study after Graduation.” Politics & Policy 49(6): 1323–1342. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12436.Jon, Jae‐Eun, and Kadir Jun Ayhan. 2021. “Satisfied or Dissatisfied: The Determinants of Global Korea Scholarship Recipients’ Satisfaction with Life in Korea.” Politics & Policy 49(6): 1391–1414. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12437.Tam, Lisa, and Kadir Jun Ayhan. 2021. “Evaluations of People, Affection, and Recommendation for a Host Country: A Study of Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Recipients.” Politics & Policy 49(6): 1292–1307. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12438.

Evaluations of people, affection, and recommendation for a host country: A study of Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) recipients

AbstractExtant research has examined the significance of interpersonal relationships in affecting public diplomacy outcomes. Relational public diplomacy is a long‐term approach to public diplomacy which posits the importance of people‐to‐people exchange programs that facilitate two‐way interactions between people from two different countries. Using survey data (n = 385) collected from alumni of the Global Korea Scholarship in 2018, this study found that respondents' perceptions of treatment by South Korean people influenced their comparisons of people from South Korea and their home countries. Moreover, the more highly they evaluated South Koreans compared to people in their home countries, the more likely it was that they would develop an affection and make positive recommendations toward South Korea as a destination for study and tourism. The empirical findings in this article have policy implications for scholarship programs as a public diplomacy tool beyond South Korea.Related Articles in this Special IssueAyhan, Kadir Jun, and Nancy Snow. 2021. “Introduction to the Special Issue—Global Korea Scholarship: Empirical Evaluation of a non‐Western Scholarship Program from a Public Diplomacy Perspective.” Politics & Policy 49(6): 1282–1291. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12440.Jon, Jae‐Eun, and Kadir Jun Ayhan. 2021. “Satisfied or Dissatisfied: The Determinants of Global Korea Scholarship Recipients’ Satisfaction with Lifein Korea.” Politics & Policy 49(6): 1391–1414. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12437.Lee, Hyelim, and Nancy Snow. 2021. “Gendered Experience in Student Mobility Programs—Global Korea Scholarship Recipients’ Evaluation of Korea’s Country Image.” Politics & Policy 49(6): 1343–1358. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12441.