U.S. Public Diplomacy: State Department Efforts to Engage Muslim Audiences Lack Certain Communication Elements and Face Significant Challenges
Abstract
State has increased public diplomacy resources to countries with significant Muslim populations in recent years and launched three major initiatives directed at the Muslim world. Comparing data for fiscal years 2004 and 2006,overseas operations budgets have increased, with the largest percentage increases going to regional bureaus with significant Muslim populations. However, the number of authorized overseas positions in all regional bureaus increased slightly or not at all. As part of the Secretary of States newly announced transformational diplomacy initiative, the department intends to reposition staff to better align with policy priorities. Since 2002,State has initiated three public diplomacy activities focused on the Muslim worlda media campaign, a youth-oriented magazine, and a group of youth focused exchange programsbut these initiatives have been largely terminated or suspended. However, several exchange programs continue to target youth in the Muslim world. In addition, posts in the Muslim world use a range of standard programs and tools which the Under Secretary plans to supplement with several new initiatives.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- AD1179443
Entities
People
- Jess T. Ford
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office