After the Cold War: USIA's Role in a Changing World,
Abstract
This study explains the need for 'public diplomacy' as a key element of American foreign policy. It defines public diplomacy as the attempt by one nation to influence public opinion in other nations through direct communication with their people, using all the tools of modern communications. The purpose is to influence foreign public opinion in support of a nation's foreign policy and interests; the tools include information programs, cultural and educational exchanges and what might be called a 'verbal strategy' in foreign affairs. Noting that USIA was created in 1953 at the height of the Cold War, the study counters accusations that USIA is a 'Cold War agency,' Rather, it is asserted that USIA has an important role to play in American diplomacy due to the psychological impact of the revolution in mass communications technology. USIA is charged with explaining U.S. policies and actions to foreign audiences and advising the U.S. government on the implications of foreign public opinion for American policies. According to the study, no nation can practice modern diplomacy without operating a program that puts modern tools of communication to work for it.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- ADA041410
Entities
People
- Dino J. Caterini
Organizations
- Naval War College