John Brown just let me know about a nice essay by Steve Barnes in the International Herald Tribune today trying to focus attention on the Presidential candidates and their ideas about public diplomacy. He references a discussion hosted here on the topic a few months ago. For those coming here from that article and looking for the relevant links, here they are:
- never been afraid to talk about anything, the original framing post noting that Clinton had virtually nothing to say about public diplomacy, McCain said a lot but has an overly militarized approach, and Obama had some great ideas and seemed to have the best grasp of its importance and potential.
- talk about anything, again, featuring responses by Patricia Kushlis, John Brown, Kenneth Payne, and Donna Marie Oglesby
- keep talking, featuring Steve Corman and Matt Armstrong
Nothing more to add right now, as I'm scrambling to get ready for upcoming trip.
How about listening? It looks as if US public diplomacy is all about talking, war of ideas, etc.
Ain't gonna work, dialogue is also about listening - US needs to start listening.
Posted by: Ervin | May 26, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Ernest,
Re listening, may I suggest you read the following, which includes important comments by Prof Nicholas Cull:
http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2007-07/2007-07-05-voa65.cfm?CFID=240743126&CFTOKEN=43656567
Posted by: john brown | May 28, 2008 at 11:30 AM