What's New
Listening Sessions on public diplomacy
The Council is co-sponsoring a series of "listening sessions" on proposals to establish a new, independent institution to conduct some aspects of our nation's public diplomacy. The Brookings Institution and Business for Diplomatic Action (BDA) are partners with the Council for the sessions in Washington, New York and Los Angeles.
NAFSA policy proposals for the next administration on foreign students, study abroad, and exchanges
WASHINGTON, August 12, 2008 - In a set of policy recommendations for the next administration released today, NAFSA: Association of International Educators urges presidential leadership for a "revived public diplomacy" that would put international education and exchange front and center in the effort to repair the country's reputation in the world and advance its global leadership.
In the introduction to <http://www.nafsa.org/pdpaper08> International Education: The Neglected Dimension of Public Diplomacy, NAFSA notes: "At the heart of public diplomacy, in our view-and essential to the success of the rest of it-is the critical task of building, conducting, and sustaining the long-term relationships through which the world most fundamentally knows Americans and forms its core assumptions about what America is."
The report goes on to set out specific policy recommendations in the areas of attracting international students and scholars; internationalizing U.S. education, especially through study abroad; and bolstering educational exchanges and volunteer-service programs. Among the priorities outlined in the report are: passage and implementation of the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act; security and immigration policies that strike a better balance between control and openness; a proactive approach to attracting the world's talented students and scholars to the United States; and expanding support for time-tested educational exchanges and the Peace Corps.
Of Note
Basic Principles on Improving U.S. Public Diplomacy
Twelve premises have gained broad consensus among the members of The Public Diplomacy Council as pillars for initiatives to strengthen U.S. public diplomacy. View them at the link above or under "Our Work," Occasional Papers.
The Public Diplomacy Council is a non-profit organization committed to the academic study, professional practice, and responsible advocacy of public diplomacy. Its members believe that understanding and influencing foreign publics, and dialogue between Americans and the citizens of other countries, are vital to the national interest and the conduct of 21st century diplomacy.
Since 2001, the Council has been affiliated with the Public Diplomacy Institute at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Council members will find discussion boards and personal contact information under "Member Services." (The page is presently in development.)
Everyone can see Council documents and information under "Our Work."
