CULTURAL DIPLOMACY NEWS| ICD seeks application for its annual conference in Berlin
This year’s theme: “Cultural Diplomacy & Cross Continental Cooperation: Building Bridges for a United Global Community.” The conference will include several parallel sessions taking place in Berlin. It will bring together over 300 high level politicians, dignitaries and celebrated artists coming from the fields of international politics, academia and the arts, including an interdisciplinary group of participants traveling to Berlin from all over the world to discuss Cultural Diplomacy in an interdependent world.
FESTIVAL WATCH | Performance actions teem in Bulgaria’s festival for independent theater
Of particular interest would the November 9, Open Space Forum, which organizers say “will explore several key factors in the development of contemporary culture that we consider important. They are: the development of international partnerships, the establishment of independent art spaces, as well as the development of new audiences and international mobility of artists and creative products.”
DIALOGUE ON DIPLOMACY | How effective is media’s coverage of U.S. diplomacy abroad?
Nicolas Kralev interviewed P.J. Crowley on a retired Air Force colonel and National Security Council spokesman in the Clinton White House. Crowley now teaches at George Washington University. On Kralev’s program, Crowley talks about how the media covers diplomacy. They also talked about the Arab Spring as a case study of the effectiveness of U.S. diplomacy. Watch the video conversation here.
NAKED DIPLOMACY | 450 naked runners race as part of Free Pussy Riot campaign
The prompt to begin the naked run in the Netherlands was given 14:30 via Skype from Russia by a Pussy Riot member. Runners wearing nothing but helmets and sneakers in the Netherlands show support for Russian punk band Pussy Riot.
GERMANY-ISRAEL CULTURAL DIPLOMACY | Frankfurt’s German-Israeli Friendship Day affirms support for Israel
According to a 2013 BBC World Service Poll, only 8% of Germans view Israel’s influence positively, with 67% expressing a negative view, a more unfavorable rating than both Russia and China.
CAUSES | Peace Corps is raising funds for storytelling event in Moldova
If interested in supporting their cause. please donate here: http://1.usa.gov/11VjiE0.
CONFERENCE ON DIPLOMACY | Think tanks and thought leaders push for smart power road map at foreign policy conference, June 25
WASHINGTON, D.C.: How many people does it take to replace a light bulb? Probably as many people as it will take to find innovative value in smart power. That means a … Continue reading
BLUEPRINTS FOR DIPLOMACY | New Statesman columnist argues for new cultural relations in Britain
A New Statesman article, entitled “Why Britain can’t afford to fall behind in the race for soft power,” maintains that the west must not stint in giving financial support for culture and cultural diplomacy. If the west failed to sustain cultural confidence, then “China’s gain in global influence and trade will be our loss.”