In this session we dissect two key concepts that relate to media and their potential to influence global public opinion. We will make sure that we understand these concepts, their origin and difference from other mediated forms of influence before we delve deeper into them and into hands-on examples of the use of media and culture for public diplomacy and soft power purposes.  

Key readings:

Cull, N. J. (2008) “Public Diplomacy: Taxonomies and Histories.” The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 616(1).

Chapter 2 “Sources of American Soft Power” in Nye. J. (2004) Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics. New York: Public Affairs. 

Recommended readings:

Seib, P. (2009) “Public diplomacy and journalism: Parallels, ethical issues, and practical concerns.” American Behavioral Scientist, 52 (5).

Entman, R. (2008) “Theorizing Mediated Public Diplomacy: The U.S. Case.” The International Journal of Press/Politics, 13(2).

Guth, D. W. (2009) “Black, White, and Shades of Gray: The Sixty-Year Debate Over Propaganda versus Public Diplomacy”, Journal of Promotion Management, 14(3-4), pp. 309-325.

Methodology section in What is Soft Power?  by University of Southern California’s Soft Power Project https://softpower30.com/what-is-soft-power/

BBC Podcast episode “Hearts and Minds” in the series “China and the World” available here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0009zm0