Public Diplomacy & International Understanding

Project Coordinator: Prof. Michael Elasmar (School of Communication)

This project plans to hold a conference in September 2009 to bring together experts from various disciplines to discuss how public diplomacy in the age of modern communications can help foster greater public understanding, reduced international conflict, and enhanced global citizenship..

The age of global communication networks provides a unique opportunity for people living in different countries to come in virtual and mediated contact with one other. Whether through the Internet, global satellite and cable networks that disseminate entertainment and news, or through other media, information about other countries is widely prevalent and is progressively becoming more accessible by a greater number of individuals living in various geographical areas around the world.

While the Internet provides a unique opportunity for direct people to people contact that bypasses governments, public diplomacy remains a critical tool for a government to send information about itself and about its people to individuals living in other countries. What impact does public diplomacy have on international understanding and conflict prevention?