A Cultural Public Diplomacy Strategy

Abstract

Cultural diplomacy must be a significant element of a comprehensive program to retool American foreign policy and thereby repair America’s global reputation. At core is the need for a fundamental shift in both the substance and tone of American foreign policy, in both the realms of strategic statecraft and cultural and other public diplomacy efforts. This shift is critical to restoring our ability to play an effective leading role in international affairs. There is no easy fix to America’s damaged international image, but a diplomatic effort that represents the best of American culture and society—one that reflects the qualities of openness, cooperation, generosity, broadmindedness, and yes, humility— will over the long term be a great asset to U.S. foreign relations.