In one of her final speeches as U.S. Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Tara Sonenshine emphasized the importance of Public Diplomacy in the 21st century at a recent CSIS event. She asserts that the U.S. Department of State has been “proactive and responsive in the fast-breaking, constantly evolving global conversation” on public diplomacy.

This year's Summer Institute in Public Diplomacy brings together its largest cohort from 14 countries. The program runs from July 21-August 2 at USC.

Coca-Cola installed new high tech vending machines in Lahore, Pakistan and New Deli, India inviting citizens in both countries to put their political differences aside and communicate with each other while drinking a Coke. Participants are “encouraged to complete a friendly task together – wave, touch hands, draw a peace sign or dance – before sharing a Coca-Cola.” The idea behind the machine is to ease tensions and promote mutual understanding between the two peoples and countries.

The Czech Centre in New York and the Aspen Institute in Prague joined together for an all day event focusing on cultural diplomacy. Specifically, panelists discussed the ways in which Central Europe can use culture to positively impact the regions image abroad. Looking at the United States and the Czech Republic, who have both incorporated culture into their public diplomacy priorities, The Czech Centre and the Aspen Institute analyze the best practices for Central European policy makers. 

The former Senior Advisor for Innovation to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Alec Ross, reflects on his time working at the U.S. Department of State.  Ross’s biggest take away after four years of working for Hillary Clinton is that “the Internet has become a battlefield,” leading to increased conflict worldwide.

Kevin Brown authors a CPD Perspectives on the Syrian Crisis of 1957 looking at the historical implications on modern day U.S.-Syrian relations.

CPD co-sponsored the Association of Public Diplomacy Scholars’ (APDS) annual conference on the new and traditional frontlines of public diplomacy. The May 3rd event featured panels on conflict management, domestic perspectives, consular diplomacy, and Diaspora engagement.

CPD's Director, Philip Seib, took part in “Room for Debate" the online forum in The New York Times’. The theme was "Judging Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State."