Engaging the BRIC Countries: Diplomacy Outside the Capital

Abstract

The "BRIC" countries -- Brazil, Russia, India, and China -- increasingly are demonstrating global economic and political clout. Former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice's "Transformational Diplomacy" initiative was a step in the right direction towards repositioning diplomatic resources to the BRIC countries, but the policy fell short of its desired end state due to insufficient resources, thereby worsening inherent strategic risk. Enhanced engagement, including shaping public opinion, building relationships with future leaders, and gauging on-the-ground realities in the high-population, politically decentralized BRIC countries, demands expanded diplomatic outreach beyond capital cities. The U.S. Government must commit resources to establish new consulates and develop additional virtual presence posts (VPPs) as part of a robust BRIC strategic communications plan. Optimal engagement with Brazil, Russia, India, and China requires a revolution in national security strategic planning by channeling resources through a comprehensive BRIC strategy, as well as developing sub-national strategies for key cities and provinces.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 12, 2010
Accession Number
ADA526176

Entities

People

  • Matthew D. Murray

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Climate Change
  • Department Of State
  • Diplomacy
  • Governments
  • International Relations
  • National Governments
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Political Systems
  • Public Opinion
  • Security
  • Strategic Communications
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Websites

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

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  • Economics
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