Public Diplomacy

Queen Rania Al Abdulla of Jordan at Yale University September, 2009

Here is another blog entry to read.Thank you that you have stopped to, hopefully, read through my blog.

So, on what point of view do you stand regarding the public diplomacy? do you think that it is propaganda and the way to attract people or influence or do you believe in active public participation?

In changing nature of international relations states still play an important role. In that sense public diplomacy is used by governments as a tool to promote own interest, attract businesses or influence on foreign policies of other states. Here it is important to mention J. Nye’s implementation of soft power which might later effect the use of hard and economic power. However involvement of non-state actors and the other not less important issue, the development of technology has demonstrated us how public opinion can in some cases influence policy makers or even work on their own and bring change.

There is a link to the video of Queen Rania’s speech at Yale University to students about the importance of peace in Middle East. It shows one of the hierarchical models of public diplomacy which implies a message from state to an audience. Hence she has addressed her speech to young and growing people, probably future American politicians and emphasized the importance of the role of United States in settling the conflict in the area. Moreover this video also supports the argument about the hegemonic power of the United States what we often talk about in our seminar discussions.

We may keep in mind also the creation of image and representation which are other important aspects of public diplomacy. Have a look at the video and think what image has Queen Rania created? Was she successful in delivering her massage? What consequences if any her speech will have?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fROidpenw1E

Thank you