Revitalizing U.S. Public Diplomacy

Abstract

Anti-Americanism is on the rise around the globe and not only endangers our national security but also puts us at risk of direct attack from those who hate us most. The growing distrust of American policies and values makes it even more difficult for America to realize long-term global aspirations as we lose friends and influence on the world stage. Effective U.S. public diplomacy is a vital instrument of national power and key to demonstrating to the world community we can once again be trusted and admired. U.S. public diplomacy can promote a favorable climate of public opinion in countries critical to U.S. interests if it is credible, flexible, adequately resourced, and proactive. Today, in part due to its configuration within the Department of State, U.S. public diplomacy is far from being credible, flexible, adequately resourced or proactive. This paper will trace the rise and fall of U.S. public diplomacy, discuss problems that prevent us from having a more effective public diplomacy program, and then frame a set of recommendations for a revitalization of U.S. public diplomacy.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 18, 2005
Accession Number
ADA432312

Entities

People

  • Michael W. Bowers

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Human Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Cold War
  • Department Of State
  • Diplomacy
  • Employment
  • Foreign Policy
  • Foreign Relations
  • Governments
  • Information Operations
  • Interagency Coordination
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • National Security
  • Organizational Structure
  • Public Diplomacy
  • United States
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Strategic Security Studies