Public Diplomacy Efforts Research Articles

Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution through Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Rwanda

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to examine the effect of diplomacy practices on the conflict resolution in Rwanda. This study has the following specific objectives: To assess the effect of the public diplomacy on conflict resolution through MINAFFET. To establish the effect of economic diplomacy on conflict resolution through MINAFFET. To find out the effect of cultural diplomacy on conflict resolution through MINAFFET. This study assisted decision-makers, policy-makers, and government officials in enhancing their strategies for conflict resolution by providing insights into the effectiveness of public, economic, and cultural diplomacy through the MINAFFET. Methodology: The study used a descriptive research design, A total of 121 MINAFFET employees were the target population. All members of the target population were included in the sample size for this survey, which follows the census approach. The researcher collected data using questionnaire. Statistical methods such as correlation and regression analysis, in addition to descriptive statistics such as means and standard deviations, were used by the researcher when dealing with quantitative data. For qualitative data, content analysis was used. Findings: The model demonstrates a multiple correlation coefficient (R) of 0.873, signifying a robust positive correlation among public diplomacy, economic diplomacy, and cultural diplomacy with the dependent variable, conflict resolution via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Rwanda. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: It is advised that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Rwanda focus the enhancement of its diplomatic strategy via public, economic, and cultural avenues. This entails cultivating more vigorous public diplomacy efforts, advocating for economic interdependence as a mechanism for peace, and augmenting cultural contacts to enhance mutual understanding and collaboration among opposing factions.

Diplomasi Publik Cina terhadap Indonesia dalam Festival Kue Bulan Tahun 2023

The Mooncake Festival is one of China's public diplomacies through cultural activities towards Indonesia. On September 27, 2023, the Chinese Government, through its Ambassador in Indonesia, held a Mooncake Festival with the theme "Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with Full Flower and Full Moon". This festival is momentum for the Chinese Government to introduce the Mooncake Festival as one of the biggest celebrations in Chinese culture to the Indonesian people. This study aims to examine China's public diplomacy efforts towards Indonesia through the 2023 Mooncake Festival. This study uses a qualitative method, with primary and secondary data sources and qualitative descriptive analysis techniques. By utilizing the concept of public diplomacy from Ingrid D'Hooge, the conclusion of this study is the implementation of China's public diplomacy towards Indonesia through the 2023 Mooncake Festival involves many non-state actors and developing and launching strategies that focus on its culture by introducing Chinese culture to Indonesia. Not only that, China also uses publication media to implement China's public diplomacy toward Indonesia's success through the 2023 Mooncake Festival.

As a Public Diplomacy Component Technology Management Policy and Technology Transfer Offices of Turkey

This paper explores the role of Turkey's National Technology Management Policy and Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) as components of public diplomacy. The National Technology Management Policy plays a significant role in shaping Turkey's international image, influence, and soft power. The centralized approach to policy formulation and implementation underscores the strategic alignment of technology management policies with the country's objectives, including those related to public diplomacy. Additionally, TTOs play a crucial role in facilitating the transfer of technologies and knowledge between universities, research institutions, and industry, contributing to Turkey's technological advancement and competitiveness. The paper evaluates the impact of these components on Turkey's public diplomacy efforts and their potential to enhance the country's international standing and influence.

Does it matter that an ally is democratic during crises? Public diplomacy and attitudes towards international allies in times of crisis

Abstract Can public diplomacy in times of crisis shape citizens’ attitudes towards international politics? Using a survey experiment in Italy, we evaluated whether information cues about public diplomacy efforts by the United States and China to assist the country in dealing with the COVID-19 emergency shifted the importance citizens attached to Italy’s international allies being democracies. We found that citizens who receive positive cues about USA efforts to assist Italy report a stronger preference for Italy interacting with democracies. At the same time, when they received positive cues about China’s efforts to assist Italy, they discounted the importance attached to international allies being democracies. We further found that these effects are conditional on the participants’ support for democracy at home. We argue that these findings are consistent with a cognitive dissonance framework where citizens update their attitudes to decrease dissonant cognitions when they receive information that challenges prior beliefs or expectations.

Unlocking the Potential of Halal Tourism in Bandung City: A Qualitative Analysis of Public Diplomacy and Economic Growth

In this study, it was discussed about the role of sharia tourism as a means of Indonesian public diplomacy to increase the number of tourist visits and the regional economy, especially in Bandung City which is a sharia tourist destination. The research method used is qualitative with an approach to the concept of public diplomacy and Islamic tourism. The results showed that Indonesia's public diplomacy efforts in promoting itself as a sharia tourist destination have succeeded in attracting foreign tourists, especially Muslim tourists, as well as investment. In addition, sharia tourism has also experienced a positive increase, so that the increase in the number of tourist visits and investment can be used to develop the regional economy, especially in Bandung City as a sharia tourist destination

BEYOND RHETORIC: CHINA'S PUBLIC DIPLOMACY IN KENYA THROUGH A POLITICAL-ECONOMIC LENS (2013-2020)

This article explores the evolution of China-Kenya relations within the context of China's broader public diplomacy strategy, focusing particularly on the period from 2013 to 2020. The foundation for these bilateral relations was laid as China opened up to developing countries and African nations gained independence. While formal diplomatic relations between China and Kenya were established in 1963, it was during the 2000s that these relations diversified significantly under the leadership of Chinese President Hu Jintao and Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki. This diversification spanned commercial, cultural, and political domains, becoming a notable example of public diplomacy. With the ascension of Chinese President Xi Jinping, China's public diplomacy experienced a strategic shift towards a more assertive and politically oriented approach. This study argues that under Xi Jinping, new initiatives and strategic plans were introduced, enhancing the existing framework of China's public diplomacy. A key element of this transformation was the increased emphasis on foreign aid, which gained momentum through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Between 2013 and 2020, China's foreign aid to Kenya played a pivotal role in reshaping the structure of Chinese public diplomacy. This period saw a continuation and expansion of activities in culture and media, established in earlier phases, alongside a growing focus on infrastructure development, humanitarian aid, healthcare assistance, and educational and cultural projects. The study begins by examining traditional public diplomacy tools such as cultural exchanges, high-level visits, and educational initiatives. It then discusses specific projects implemented between 2013 and 2020, analyzing their contributions to public diplomacy efforts. Finally, the article provides an overview of these projects, as documented in AidData, highlighting their impact on the bilateral relations between China and Kenya.

Democracy Promotion and Public Diplomacy: US Efforts to Communicate with the Peoples of the Middle East in the Early Years of the 21st Century

The attacks of 11 September 2001 led to a significant shift in the importance placed by the United States on the region of the Middle East in its overall foreign policy. The United States intervened in Afghanistan and Iraq in the wake of the attacks, and the resulting policies negatively impacted its image more than ever before. While combating terrorism, the United States also sought to engage with the people of the Middle East in order to promote democracy within the region. In addition, public diplomacy has emerged as an effective method for democracy promotion, with the objective of reaching the people of the region through the use of new communication channels. Some theories view this approach as a logical choice. However, in the first years of the 21st century, the image of the United States continued to be negative among the peoples of the region. The article discusses the role of public diplomacy as an important tool for democracy promotion and attempts to explain why the American image in the Middle East has not improved through this approach alone. To this end, it first defines the concept of democracy promotion and then analyses the potential role of public diplomacy in this context. Finally, it analyses the US public diplomacy efforts until 2005 and discusses the effectiveness of these strategies.

Exploring political corporate social responsibility: a qualitative content analysis of multinational corporations' diplomacy efforts during the Russia–Ukraine war

PurposeUsing political corporate social responsibility (PCSR) as a theoretical framework, this study aims to examine how multinational corporations (MNCs) can function as nonstate actors in public diplomacy efforts during the Russia–Ukraine war.Design/methodology/approachA thematic analysis using qualitative content analysis was conducted on 98 new releases from the websites of the top 50 MNCs listed in the Fortune Global 500.FindingsThe findings indicate that MNCs elucidate their initiatives aimed at providing a secure environment for war victims through their news releases, with notable variations in responses based on the companies' geographical location. MNCs also mentioned strengthening the power of public authorities by rebalancing power dynamics between governments and intergovernmental initiatives under war conditions.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first empirical investigations to research corporate diplomacy and explore the theoretical implications of PCSR for corporate diplomacy.

Upaya Diplomasi Publik Dalam Mempromosikan Produk Fashion Indonesia di Luar Negeri

Indonesia is one of the countries that has many kinds of cultures, which include dances, musical instruments, ritual traditions and clothing in each region in Indonesia. Public diplomacy is also seen based on a series of efforts to open good communication space and negotiate national elements in the international world. To get the attention of the international community and give a good image to Indonesia, it is necessary to make efforts made by Indonesia, namely by promoting fashion to the international community in order to achieve Indonesia's national interests. Although it is undeniable, a number of fashion product brands in Indonesia still need improvement to compete with foreign brands, because there are still many people who think that the quality of foreign brands is better, but with the creativity of Indonesian designers who are starting to provide ready-to-wear product choices at affordable prices than foreign brands. Human resources and a lot of international markets will have potential in the fashion sector so that special attention is shown by the government. Not only the government but citizens also have the ability to be actors in diplomacy. This study aims to determine public diplomacy efforts in promoting Indonesian fashion products abroad. This research is descriptive research. The data used in this study are secondary data sourced from articles, online journals, books, and internet facilities. This research uses library research data collection techniques and the data analysis technique used is qualitative data analysis technique. This research uses the theoretical framework of public diplomacy and creative industries. The results showed that public diplomacy efforts in promoting Indonesian fashion products abroad are by collaborating between the government and the private sector, as well as facilitating and promoting domestic products to the international world.

Public Diplomacy and Nation Branding

Purpose: The general aim of the study was to explore public diplomacy and nation branding.
 Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.
 Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to public diplomacy and nation branding. Preliminary empirical review revealed that that public diplomacy plays a crucial role in shaping a nation's brand image and reputation globally. It emphasized the significance of innovative communication strategies, particularly in the digital age, to engage with international audiences effectively. The research highlighted the importance of coherence and coordination in public diplomacy efforts, advocating for a strategic and integrated approach across government agencies and stakeholders. Overall, the study underscored the complex interplay between public diplomacy and nation branding, emphasizing the need for continuous evaluation and adaptive strategies to promote national interests and identity on the global stage.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Identity theory, Agenda Setting theory and Stakeholder theory may be used to anchor future studies on public diplomacy and nation branding. The study provided valuable recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy in the fields of public diplomacy and nation branding. Through a comparative analysis of existing theories and empirical research, the study identified gaps and opportunities for theoretical development, encouraging scholars to adopt a holistic approach to theory-building. Practical recommendations were offered for public diplomacy practitioners and policymakers, emphasizing best practices and innovative strategies for enhancing nation branding efforts. Additionally, policy recommendations were provided for government officials, emphasizing the strategic importance of public diplomacy in advancing national interests and enhancing soft power. Overall, the study's recommendations helped shape more effective and impactful communication strategies, fostering constructive international relations and mutual understanding.

The Image War Moves to TikTok Evidence from the May 2021 Round of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

The increasing mediatization of war makes battles over public image evermore prominent. Individual citizens, no longer mediated by traditional gatekeepers, engage in public diplomacy and citizen-journalism, communicating directly to the public. TikTok, a visual social media platform, was used extensively by Palestinians and Israelis to mobilize international support during the 2021 round of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This paper examines appeals that Israeli and Palestinian TikTok users made to international audiences by comparing 318 posts sampled from two rhetorically equivalent hashtags. A content analysis examining the strategies used, found that each side emphasized different themes (e.g., victimization on the Israeli side, personal narratives on the Palestinian side). Although pro-Israeli users were more strategic in their use of the platform’s features, a multi-variate analysis of engagement found that pro-Palestinian activists were more successful in creating engagement. To further understand the complex and subtle meaning structures encoded into the posts, a subsample of 42 highly shared posts was probed qualitatively for its aesthetics and values, using a semiotic analysis. A first study to compare public diplomacy efforts on TikTok across parties, this paper contributes to knowledge about the ways citizens bear witness from warzones, use platform affordance for storytelling, and engage with the international community.

The Efficient and Dignified Roles of the Crown in Canadian Foreign Policy

This article draws on Walter Bagehot's distinction between efficient and dignified institutions to examine an understudied facet of the monarchy in Canada: the Crown's role in Canadian foreign policy. The Canadian Crown acts in global affairs in two ways: through the efficient prerogative powers of the Crown exercised by Cabinet, and by means of the dignified “public diplomacy” performed by the office of the governor general. The article demonstrates that the Crown's prerogative powers remain the underlying authority that Canadian governments exercise when pursuing foreign policy objectives and acting in the world. The article then traces the growth of the vice-regal office's foreign policy functions, as well how the governor general's public diplomacy efforts contribute to Canada's global engagement. The article concludes with a brief discussion of King Charles III's place in Canadian foreign affairs as the head of state of multiple, independent realms.

Australian Government's Public Diplomacy through the MAMPU Program in Indonesia (2016-2020)

This paper discusses the Australian government's public diplomacy effort through the MAMPU program phase II (2016 - 2020) which focuses on gender equality and women’s empowerment issues in Indonesia. The author used the concept of public diplomacy in this paper to analyse what the Australian government has done to achieve its interest through the MAMPU program. The paper uses a qualitative method with a descriptive approach, by using secondary and primary data which are program MAMPU's social media, website, various documents, entries from the internet, and an interview with MAMPU Program Manager from BaKTI Foundation. This paper finds that efforts conducted by the Australian government in the MAMPU program are compatible with four of the five relational initiatives characteristics in public diplomacy. Furthermore, because of its public diplomacy through the MAMPU program, the Australian government gained positive images as a country that supports the women empowerment issue in Indonesia. In addition, the Australian government could also strengthen its relationship with the Indonesian government.

2010s Hollywood science fiction: Telling China’s stories well to the world

Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, film has been regulated in terms of Mao Zedong’s proclamation that ‘art serves politics’. This article argues that in the 2010s, Hollywood science fiction films serve Chinese politics as nationalistic propaganda and nation branding as part of the soft power initiatives of China’s public diplomacy efforts of ‘going global’ and ‘telling China’s stories well’ in exchange for access to China’s lucrative box office. While most Hollywood films do not include any representations of China, this article identifies a trend in Hollywood science fiction films from the 2010s where entities of China play major roles in the narrative. The article applies narrative and textual analysis to illuminate national image building in five Hollywood films: 2012 (2009), Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014), RoboCop (2014), Arrival (2016) and Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018). These films realize the goal of China’s film policy for positive images of China, such as the world’s leading political and industrial power. The depictions of China are shown to reflect the Made in China 2025 initiative for securing global dominance in technology and manufacturing and links these depictions to the China Dream. The article concludes with a comparative analysis of the Chinese science fiction films Reset (2017) and Shanghai Fortress (2019) and finds that the Hollywood films contain the same national images and narrative roles of China as these domestic films. While this article sheds light on one case of the impact of China on the content of one nation’s films, it is just a small example of the impact of China’s film policy on national cinemas as there are 22 countries with Chinese co-production agreements resulting in over five hundred Sino-foreign co-production revenue-sharing films in the 2010s from countries around the world whose content has been regulated by the Chinese government.

International student experience in Indonesia and public diplomacy consequences: Governance of Darmasiswa program

<span lang="EN-US">This study discussed Darmasiswa program as Indonesia’s public diplomacy effort in the educational fields conducted by the Republic Indonesia Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbud RI). Despite its vast opportunities, Indonesia still has difficulties attracting international students compared to various neighboring countries. By analyzing the seven pillars of public diplomacy, supported by international communication and industry 4.0 concept, this study showed that Kemendikbud has considered the seven pillars in public diplomacy in conducting public diplomacy efforts. It is found that Darmasiswa is a state-directed effort designed to enhance favorable international relations through the student movement’s positive experience. The strategy is formed by uses various types of communication channels that support each other’s. The message is also processed by involving policy and rationality by prioritizing consistent, truthful, and credible as part of the main elements. Besides, they form strategies by maximizing cooperation with various parties. In Kemendikbud, the program undertakes audience research and actors from 1st and 2nd track diplomacy as part of its tactics. The program also found that public diplomacy in Darmasiswa program has acknowledged changes in the 4.0 era through new media usage. However, there are still many challenges encountered in the performance of the seven pillars.</span>

The Role of European Think Tanks as a Channel of the EU Public Diplomacy Towards Domestic and Foreign Publics

<p>This article examines the role of European think tanks in public diplomacy efforts of the EU. It builds on Bourdieu’s field theory and concept of capital using data from EU official documents, website materials, and semi-structured interviews with representatives of think tanks from Brussels, France, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom, as well as their networks and the EU institutions. The article argues that EU institutions provide financial support for think tanks to obtain political capital in the form of internal and external legitimacy. The European Commission mobilises think tank academic capital by funding their educational activities, which helps to deal with the “democratic deficit” and plays the role of intellectual “soft power” by training current and future policymakers in Europe and beyond as potential allies in competition with other regions. Due to the particularity of the EU public sphere, characterised by the lack of outreach mass media, the European Commission tries to improve its capacity to shape public opinion at the European and global levels by using think tank publicity capital in its communication activities via new media platforms, distinguished by direct access to wider audiences. The European Commission benefits from think tank social capital, encouraging them to create transnational networks regarded as contributing to the promotion of integration within the EU, building relations with candidate countries, and strengthening its position in multilateral negotiations. Although the citizen’s dimension is not always at the core of practices of European think tanks, this article demonstrates their effectiveness as a channel of public diplomacy towards transnational publics.</p>

A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Mistranslation in Chinese-English Signage Translation

As China's global engagement continues to expand, the need for accurate and effective English translations of Chinese signage in public spaces has become increasingly important. Such signage serves as a crucial window for foreigners to engage with Chinese culture, shaping their perceptions of the nation and its people. However, despite efforts to improve Chinese-English translation standards, the problem of mistranslation remains ubiquitous, even in prominent settings. This undermines the objective of bolstering China's soft power and presents a challenge to maintaining the country's image as a bastion of civility and etiquette. Against this backdrop, this study adopts a cross-cultural perspective to analyze the causes of mistranslation in Chinese-English signage, and offers practical solutions to address the problem. By doing so, this research seeks to inform best practices for foreign language translation in the context of China's public diplomacy efforts, ultimately enhancing the nation's reputation on the global stage.

Narrative composition of Russian public diplomacy: content analysis of the Facebook engagement of Russia’s embassy in Japan

ABSTRACT The article contributes to the discussion of Russia’s public diplomacy efforts to transmit and diffuse certain narratives to foreign audiences online. Utilizing the case of understudied Russia’s public diplomacy strategies concerning Asian countries, the study analyzes what narratives Russia’s embassy projected to the Japanese public from 2013 to 2019. The findings demonstrate that although the embassy gives preference to positive self-description over active advocacy, it constructs Russia’s image through history-dependent narratives. This practice is unlikely to contribute to the understanding of modern Russia, which its political elites are striving for. The study contributes to the overall understanding of the narrative composition that Russia constructs as a part of its public diplomacy efforts. The article also brings together elements of qualitative and quantitative methodology to conduct a content analysis of narratives online, which paves the way for further investigation of social media public diplomacy practices.

German and Russian Public Diplomacy Efforts in Kyrgyzstan: A Comparative Study of Norm Entrepreneurship

This article explores Russian and German public diplomacy efforts in Central Asia through the example of Kyrgyzstan. Due to a difficult economic and socio-political situation, Kyrgyzstan remains open to externally funded programmes and projects, including initiatives funded by foreign governments, and thus offers a unique environment for the study of public diplomacy. The article looks at transnational public diplomacy actors such as German political foundations and Russian-sponsored organisations active in the country. Overall, the article offers interesting insights into the nature and substance of the soft power policies pursued by Germany and Russia that are relevant for Kyrgyzstan and beyond.

Extending the cultural-economic model of public relations through Bourdieu’s theoretical lens to inform public diplomacy efforts

Several scholars have addressed the convergence of public relations and public diplomacy theories, and many have argued that public diplomacy needs to move beyond normative theories of communication. Yet little scholarly work has been done to date. To fill this gap, this study explores how critical and postmodern theoretical approaches can inform public diplomacy practice by extending the cultural–economic model (CEM) of public relations through Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of practice. Based on interviews with organizational members of Sister Cities International (SCI), this study suggests that critical–cultural and postmodern perspectives can inform SCI’s public diplomacy efforts by considering larger structural factors in tension with agency. Thus, this study contributes to both the development of robust international public relations theory and theory building in the public diplomacy field. Findings indicate that drawing on Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice (1997), social capital contributes to the notion of institutionalized relationships, such as family or resources, that individuals acquire through group memberships as found in articulations within the CEM. Additionally, although the CEM explains the connection between culture and power in creating meaning, Bourdieu’s notion of cultural capital makes explicit a focus on education, which is a significant focus of many public diplomacy efforts. Therefore, the term cultural capital provides additional insight into the model to inform public diplomacy efforts. Thus, this study extends the CEM through Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of practice by indicating the role of social capital and cultural capital in SCI’s public diplomacy efforts.