This book presents the first-ever close and up-to-date look at how American diplomats working at our embassies abroad communicate with foreign audiences to explain US foreign policy and American culture and society. Projecting an American voice abroad has become more difficult in the twenty-first century, as terrorists and others hostile to America use modern communication means to criticize us, and as new communication tools have greatly expanded the worldwide discussion of issues important to us, so that terrorists and others hostile to us have added negative voices to the global dialogue. It analyzes the communication tools our public diplomacy professionals use, and how they employ interpersonal and language skills to engage our critics. It shows how they overcome obstacles erected by unfriendly governments, and explains that diplomats do not simply to reiterate set policy formulations but engage a variety of people from different cultures in a creative ways to increase their understanding of America.
المراجعة التحريرية
"As the role of public opinion in policy making continues to grow around the globe, there is increasing appreciation for the importance of public diplomacy as an aspect of U.S. foreign policy. Rugh picks up this theme, delivering an expert account not only of the 'theory' of what public diplomacy is and how to best practice it; he also shares insightful, real-world examples, drawn both from his own extensive professional experience and from the now rather considerable PD literature. Ambassador Rugh has provided an invaluable resource to the field of public diplomacy, one destined to become indispensible in the teaching of PD tradecraft, as well as a go-to reference for current practitioners in the field."
- Middle East Policy
"The book is a perfect text to be included in the study of American foreign policy or diplomacy, especially in the Middle East. It is a must-read for any incoming Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and/or Public Affairs, not to mention high-level military commanders in the field who have been running their own public diplomacy operations."
- International Journal of Middle East Studies
عن المؤلف
William A. Rugh was a Foreign Service Officer for 31 years and served twice as US ambassador. He holds a PhD and has taught public diplomacy at the Fletcher School. He is the author of books and articles on public diplomacy and US foreign policy.