Podcasts about Public diplomacy

In this episode, Alexandra and Nina discuss recent developments across Central and Eastern Europe, including the latest charges in North Macedonia following the tragic nightclub fire in Kočani, ongoing protests in Serbia, and a vote of no confidence in the Czech Republic.The main interview features Daryna Pidhorna, Senior Lawyer at the Regional Centre for Human Rights. Daryna explores how Russia's aggression is targeting Ukrainian culture, impacting museums, festivals and outlines what can be done to safeguard Ukraine's cultural heritage during wartime. She also shares what life is currently like in Kyiv and reflects on the atmosphere in the city as Russia steps up its aerial attacks.In the bonus content for our patrons, Daryna stays on to delve into the repatriation of cultural property. She explains how Ukraine is working to recover looted heritage and highlights lessons that can be drawn from other countries' experiences in reclaiming stolen cultural assets.To listen to the bonus content visit: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-227-131877614 Read Adam's takeaways from the Globsec Conference featured in Brief Eastern Europe: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/p/june-16-2025Additional financing for this podcast is provided by the Polish MFA: Public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the grant competition “Public Diplomacy 2024 – 2025 - the European dimension and countering disinformation The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the official positions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

In this conversation I ask Professors Sam Richards & Laurey Mulvey about some of the most controversial topics concerning race and ethnicity in the US today. Is White Privilege a useful term that helps build understanding and facilitates conversation, or does it generate social tension and make poor white people feel gaslit? What is DEI, why is it so contentious, and can it be implemented effectively? What makes the N-word and blackface so triggering? Why are US racial social norms so culturally dominant and readily exported?  Sam Richards is a sociologist and Teaching Professor at Penn State and a Distinguished Professor at Konkuk University in Seoul, Korea. He runs SOC119, which is the largest race, ethnicity and cultural relations course in the world. Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon his class is live streamed to 370,000 subscribers from around the world, and his classes have had over 400 million views. His willingness to challenge orthodox thinking led him to be named one of the “101 Most Dangerous  Professors in America” and together with Laurie Mulvey is one of the “parents of radical empathy.”  Laurie Mulvey is the director and co-founder of the World in Conversation Center for Public Diplomacy at Penn State, which is the largest dialogue center in the United States, hosting more than 17,000 participants each academic year. The Center has worked with the UNDP, UNESCO, and NATO, along with organizations and universities in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Palestinian Territories, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, China, Haiti, Saudi Arabia, and twelve nations in the NATO Alliance to host dialogues between people separated by vast distances and borders. Laurie is a master facilitator, focused on moderating beneficial conversations between different groups on some of the most difficult, hot button topics. ►Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wd2DytWSAYE ►Find out more about Sam's work here: https://sociology.la.psu.edu/people/sam-richards/ ►Find out more about Laurie's work here: https://sociology.la.psu.edu/people/laurie-mulvey/ These conversations are supported by the Andrea von Braun foundation (http://www.avbstiftung.de/), as an exploration of the rich, exciting, connected, scientifically literate, and (most importantly) sustainable future of humanity. The Andrea von Braun Foundation has provided me with full creative freedom with their support. As such, the views expressed in these episodes are my own and/or those of my guests.  

Send us a textWhat does it really take to win the war of narratives in today's chaotic information battlefield?In this must-watch episode of Israel: State of a Nation, Eylon Levy sits down with David Keyes, former international spokesperson for Prime Minister Netanyahu, for a raw conversation about strategic communications, narrative warfare, and the shocking reality behind Israel's media strategy.

On this special livestream there is not one, but TWO awesome guests and for good reason. Lord Alexander Hawke is back in action. That's cause for a celebration.Ryan Steck, also known as The Real Book Spy, is an author and thriller junkie behind the pen on the latest Hawke thriller. Having been a massive Hawke fan himself, Steck was also a good personal friend to the late Ted Bell, and there was nobody better to pick up the mantle and continue the legacy after Bell's passing. Considered one of the hardest-working people in publishing, Steck built the most trusted source in literary fiction in The Real Book Spy from the ground up, turning it from a simple blog to a million+ viewed website per year, and the go-to source for all the breaking news in fiction publishing.Byrdie Bell is the daughter of the late legend Ted Bell and an avid Hawk advocate, amongst juggling life as a mother, actress, and model. Bell appeared in Rolling Stones' Shine a Light by Martin Scorsese, as well as the Israeli version of Big Brother. At age 18 Byrdie began modeling, appearing in numerous publications including Bloomingdale's and Club Monaco. Byrdie is the descendent of Colonel William Byrd II, the founder of Richmond, Virginia.The late Ted Bell was Vice-Chairman of the Board and World-Wide Creative Director for Young & Rubicam, one of the world's largest advertising agencies. Before becoming a novelist Bell was President and Chief Creative Officer of Leo Brunett Company. Bell also served as a member on the DOCA Committee for the US Department of Defense, and as an advisor to the Undersecretary for Public Diplomacy at the US Department of State.Bell wrote 12 novels in the Lord Alexander Hawke series before his unfortunate death in 2023. MONARCH, penned by Ryan Steck his long-time editor and friend, is entry number 13 in the Hawke series and a remarkable, gripping, and adventurous tale to get readers back into the legendary series that the late Bell started.Find More at: TheRealBookSpy.com and TedBell.com

Adam, Alexandra, and Nina return after a short break to discuss the latest developments in the region. Topics include the situation in Ukraine, the introduction of a controversial "Russian-style" law targeting NGOs in Slovakia, the formation of a new government and prime minister in Serbia, and recent developments surrounding the presidential elections in Romania. In the main interview, Alexandra and Nina speak with Olga Skrypnyk, Chairwoman of the Crimean Human Rights Group, and Viktoria Nesterenko, a human rights defender from the Human Rights Centre ZMINA in Ukraine. They delve into the current situation in Crimea, highlighting how various groups are persecuted and how some individuals have become political prisoners. The conversation concludes with reflections on the implications of the new US administration's approach to the war in Ukraine and a discussion on what elements are crucial to include in any future peace negotiations.Support this podcast - join our patreon community - patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeRead the latest articles online at New Eastern EuropeSign up for the Brief Eastern Europe NewsletterAdditional financing for this podcast is provided by the Polish MFA: Public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the grant competition “Public Diplomacy 2024 – 2025 - the European dimension and countering disinformation The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the official positions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

Max Blumenthal, on the Judge Napolitano podcast, discusses Israel's Public Diplomacy

In this episode, Adam and Alexandra start by discussing the latest news from the region – including the fallout from the tragic fire which killed 59 people in North Macedonia as well as the massive protests which took place in Belgrade over the weekend. They also look at developments in Hungary as the opposition leader appears to be gaining momentum, while the government outlaws Budapest Pride. Later, Adam is joined by Konstantin von Eggert, an independent journalist and political analyst and weekly columnist on Russian affairs for Deutsche Welle. Adam and Konstantin discuss the Trump/Putin phone call which was set to take place this week, the overall process and what are Putin's aims in these so-called negotiations. Konstantin also shares his view on Europe's reactions and the current European understanding of the threat.Go even deeper – check out the latest commentaries on the New Eastern Europe website:“A Zeitenwende comes from Washington: how long-term trends shaped a new politics” by: Valerii Pekar: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/03/14/a-zeitenwende-comes-from-washington-how-long-term-trends-shaped-a-new-politics/“As a major military power, Ukraine has options” by: Kerel Dysler: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/03/18/as-a-major-military-power-ukraine-has-options/“Europe in the age of uncertainty”, by: Tony van der Togt, https://neweasterneurope.eu/2024/11/22/europe-in-the-age-of-uncertainty/Support the podcast – become a TEE Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeAdditional financing for this podcast is provided by the Polish MFA: Public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the grant competition “Public Diplomacy 2024 – 2025 - the European dimension and countering disinformation The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the official positions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

Max Blumenthal: Israel's Public Diplomacy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We need a recovery of the sacred in our secular world. Because the mental, emotional, and psychological struggles haunting society right now can't be solved without addressing meaning, purpose, and the longing for connection to something beyond ourselves.In other words, spiritual health is an essential part of mental health.An attorney, religious scholar, and university chaplain, Dr. Varun Soni is Dean of Religious Life at the University of Southern California, and is leading us back to our true north, through spacious and life-giving spiritual conversations and sacred practices that realign us to our values and identity.In this conversation with Varun Soni, we discuss:Finding the sacred in our secular culture.Religious pluralism and what it means to build trust that reaches across religious lines of difference.The transformative power of finding your “truth north”—your North Star—to orient our journeys of faith and spirituality.Varun shares six pillars of flourishing; how to align our actions with our values; and the benefit of listening to the cultural narratives and stories we tell.He reflects on the missing elements of spirituality in our understanding of mental health today, evidenced in his work with teens and emerging adults.He offers us a Hindu meditative practice to provide inner clarity, stability, and calm.And he comments on compassion and a cultivation sacred spiritual practices to counteract the loneliness, anguish, and suffering in our world.Show NotesDr. Pam King welcomes Varun Soni, Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life at USCJourney from Hindu attorney to first Hindu Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life in the U.S.“What does it mean to be Indian? What does it mean to be Hindu? What does it mean to be American? What is this Indian American experience?”1965 Immigration and Naturalization ActInspired by grandfather's connection to Mahatma Gandhi“ What it meant to be Hindu was to be like Gandhi. What it meant to be Indian was to be like Gandhi. What it meant to live a meaningful life was to live like Gandhi.”“ I continued to study religion as a way of understanding myself.”Sitting with the Dalai Lama on Mahatma Gandhi's birthdayMentorship from the Dalai LamaDeepak Chopra's influence“Interfaith trust building”University ChaplaincyWhat is thriving to you?"Thriving is the alignment of purpose and practice—it's not about arriving, but about moving in the right direction."“What is my north star, and how do I get there?”Spiritual well-being about asking the right questions, not having all the answersReligion once provided meaning, rituals, and community—now young people seek new structures"What is sacred to you? If you can't answer that, you're drifting without a compass."The urgency of time when turning 50 years old“I'm not trying to prove anything to anyone anymore.”“Put the process before the answer.”6 pillars of thriving and well-being: diet, sleep, exercise, contemplative practice, emotional intelligence, connection to natureBasic physical pillars of thriving: Diet, Sleep, ExerciseSpiritual pillars of thriving: Contemplation, Emotional Intelligence, and Communing with NatureFinding what is sacred—faith, relationships, personal values51% of USC students non-religious, 80% spiritualRecord levels of loneliness, imposter syndrome, comparison culture“Not just a mental health crisis, but a spiritual health crisis.”Loss of intergenerational religious experiences—key protective factor against depression"We took away religion and replaced it with social media, then wondered why anxiety skyrocketed."Social media fuels disconnection rather than community"We weren't built for this much bad news. Our brains weren't designed to process global suffering 24/7."“There's no right way to do contemplative practice.”Find moments built into your dayExercise: So Hum breath meditation: Inhale “So,” exhale “Hum”Using meditation as a spiritual technology or tool"You are not your thoughts—you are the awareness behind them."Identity shaped by personal narrative—"If you don't like your story, rewrite it."Telling the story of who you will become"Every individual is the hero of their own journey, whether they realize it or not."Cultural mythology, from sacred texts to Marvel movies, reflects search for meaningSpirituality helps build redemptive life narratives“There power in being part of something bigger.”The Spiritual Child by Lisa Miller—research on spirituality and mental health"It's hard to hate the people you love—universities are one of the last places where people can learn to love each other across differences."Technology and mediated relationshipsWhat is sacred to you?"Gen Z's greatest superpower is empathy, but they've never been lonelier."Building protective factors for young peopleGratitude rituals shift focus from anxiety to appreciationCare, justice, and connectionMental Health CrisisMental Health and Spiritual HealthAwe-inspiring moments—nature, music, relationships—essential to well-being"Awe, wonder, and gratitude aren't luxuries—they're survival tools."“You can't doom-scroll your way to joy. Presence and connection matter.”Religious institutions declining, but human need for transcendence remainsCreating new rituals and meaning-making for a secular generation"Spiritual health is just as important as mental health—ignore it, and you miss a key part of the equation."What is your North Star? What gets you up in the morning?How do your daily practices align purpose and action?How do the stories you tell shape your identity and thriving?Try So Hum meditation as a daily mindfulness practiceEngage in one act of gratitude—write a note, express appreciation, savor a momentIt's all too easy to fragment our lives into secular and sacred, but thriving and spiritual health require wholeness and integration of every aspect of ourselves, including our faith and spirituality.Future generations of leaders need our guidance and support in their connection to community and their search for meaning, purpose, and hope.Keep your seat-belt firmly fastened, your seat-back upright, tray table stowed, and secure your own spiritual oxygen mask before assisting others.We can counteract the outrage, anxiety, and information overload with simple, daily practices that bring stability and clarity.We thrive when we align our actions and our values, our behavior with our beliefs, and our practices with our purpose.About Varun SoniVarun Soni is the Dean of Religious Life at the University of Southern California. He received his B.A. degree in Religion from Tufts University, where he also earned an Asian Studies minor and completed the Program in Peace and Justice Studies. He subsequently received his M.T.S. degree from Harvard Divinity School and his M.A. degree through the Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He went on to receive his J.D. degree from University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, where he also completed the Critical Race Studies Program and served as an editor for the Journal of Islamic and Near Eastern Law. He earned his Ph.D. through the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Cape Town, where his doctoral research focused on religion and popular culture. As an undergraduate student, Dean Soni spent a semester living in a Buddhist monastery in Bodh Gaya, India through Antioch University's Buddhist Studies Program. As a graduate student, he spent months doing field research in South Asia through UCSB's Center for Sikh and Punjab Studies.Dean Soni is currently a University Fellow at USC Annenberg's Center on Public Diplomacy and an Adjunct Professor at the USC School of Religion. He is the author of Natural Mystics: The Prophetic Lives of Bob Marley and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (Figueroa Press, 2014) and his writings have appeared in the Washington Post, Huffington Post, Crosscurrents, Jewish Journal, and Harvard Divinity Bulletin. He produced the critically acclaimed graphic novel Tina's Mouth: An Existential Comic Diary by Keshni Kashyap, which is currently being adapted as a feature length film. He also produced and hosted his own radio show on KPFK-Pacifica that showcased music from South Asia and its diaspora. In 2009, he was one of the organizers of the historic Concert for Pakistan, a benefit concert at the United Nations General Assembly Hall featuring Salman Ahmad, Sting, Outlandish, Jeff Skoll, Deepak Chopra, and Melissa Etheridge.Dean Soni is a member of the State Bar of California, the American Academy of Religion, and the Association for College and University Religious Affairs. He is on the advisory board for the Center for Muslim-Jewish Engagement, Journal for Interreligious Dialogue, Hindu American Seva Charities, Future45, and the Parliament of the World's Religion. Prior to joining USC, Dean Soni spent four years teaching in the Law and Society Program at UCSB. Born in India and raised in Southern California, he has family on five continents and they collectively represent every major religious tradition in the world. About the Thrive CenterLearn more at thethrivecenter.org.Follow us on Instagram @thrivecenterFollow us on X @thrivecenterFollow us on LinkedIn @thethrivecenter About Dr. Pam KingDr. Pam King is Executive Director the Thrive Center and is Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science at Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. Follow her @drpamking. About With & ForHost: Pam KingSenior Director and Producer: Jill WestbrookOperations Manager: Lauren KimSocial Media Graphic Designer: Wren JuergensenConsulting Producer: Evan RosaSpecial thanks to the team at Fuller Studio and the Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy.

Send us a textIn this hard-hitting episode of State of the Nation, Eylon Levy sits down with Ilay David—the brother of Evyatar David, who has been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza for over 500 days. This exclusive interview delivers raw, firsthand insights into the brutal tactics of the Hamas terror regime and the inhumane conditions inside Gaza's underground dungeons.As pressure mounts for the release of the remaining hostages, President Trump has issued his strongest warning yet, vowing that Hamas will face catastrophic consequences if they do not immediately release the hostages. Join us as Ilay David reveals the devastating impact of hostage propaganda, the relentless struggle for freedom, and the urgent call for international political pressure. Learn about the dynamics of the Israel-Gaza conflict, the psychological warfare used against innocent hostages, and the deep-rooted commitment of Israeli society to “leave no man behind.”

La trêve à Gaza vacille alors que les négociations se poursuivent au Caire. Plusieurs pays européens, dont la France, ont affirmé que le Hamas ne doit jouer « aucun rôle » à Gaza dans le futur, en vertu du plan présenté par les dirigeants arabes pour l'enclave palestinienne. Le mouvement islamiste accuse les États-Unis d'encourager Israël à se retirer de l'accord de cessez-le-feu qui semble de plus en plus compromis en raison de désaccords sur les modalités de sa poursuite. Des contacts secrets, mais confirmés, ont eu lieu pour la première fois depuis des années entre l'administration Trump et le Hamas. Ces contacts directs rompent avec une politique qui veut que les États-Unis n'aient pas de pourparlers directs avec des groupes qu'ils considèrent comme « terroristes ». Entretien avec Inès Abdel Razek, co-directrice du Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy, une organisation non gouvernementale palestinienne de plaidoyer et diplomatie citoyenne.

Send us a textIsrael's regional threats are shifting fast—and the stakes have never been higher. Former Israeli diplomat and Knesset member Ruth Wasserman Lande joins Eylon Levy to analyze the instability on Israel's borders and the global forces reshaping the Middle East after October 7.With decades of experience in Arab affairs, diplomacy, and security, Wasserman Lande offers unique insights into:

Send us a textEveryone wants to know: What will it take to defeat Hamas once and for all?In this episode of Israel: State of a Nation, Eylon Levy sits down with Michael Doran, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and former U.S. National Security Council official, to break down the bigger war beyond Gaza—and what it will take to end Hamas for good.Doran argues that Hamas is just a pawn in Iran's larger war against Israel, and that Tehran is the true mastermind keeping the terror group alive. But is Iran really the key to victory, or do Hamas's other patrons—Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt—also bear responsibility?Key topics covered:

Finland, a minor player on the international arena and burdened with the tag of ‘Finlandization' during much of the post-WWII period, has won surprisingly positive visibility and a strong nation brand in the far-off Japan in the 2000's. How has such a transformation of a small state's reputation been possible? In this episode, Dr. Laura Ipatti, Postdoctoral Researcher at the unit of Contemporary History, University of Turku, tackles this question by introducing the findings of her Doctoral Dissertation, titled From Finlandization to Finland Boom. Finland's Public Diplomacy in Japan, 1962–2003. In her study, Ipatti looks at the actors, means and motives that have participated in ‘making Finland known' in the economic and cultural powerhouse of post-WWII Japan. After the lost war against the Soviet Union, Finland was obliged to conclude an agreement of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance with Moscow but, against the odds, stayed a liberal democracy and a market economy that chose neutrality as a foreign policy line. To showcase the willingness and trustworthiness of the Finnish leaders and the society alike to Western cooperation, the Finnish government started an intense image campaigning to secure an access to the Western markets and political dialogue. These efforts at influencing foreign perceptions of Finland targeted even Japan, a member of the US-led bloc in the Cold War. Today, the legacy of this campaigning is still visible, for example in the Japanese fashion trend called ‘Finland Boom'. But will Finland's appearance at the upcoming Expo 2025 in Osaka this spring build on the old ideals, too? The episode is hosted by Dr. Outi Luova, Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku, Finland Laura Ipatti: From Finlandization to Finland Boom. Finland's Public Diplomacy in Japan, 1962–2003. University of Turku, Dec 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Finland, a minor player on the international arena and burdened with the tag of ‘Finlandization' during much of the post-WWII period, has won surprisingly positive visibility and a strong nation brand in the far-off Japan in the 2000's. How has such a transformation of a small state's reputation been possible? In this episode, Dr. Laura Ipatti, Postdoctoral Researcher at the unit of Contemporary History, University of Turku, tackles this question by introducing the findings of her Doctoral Dissertation, titled From Finlandization to Finland Boom. Finland's Public Diplomacy in Japan, 1962–2003. In her study, Ipatti looks at the actors, means and motives that have participated in ‘making Finland known' in the economic and cultural powerhouse of post-WWII Japan. After the lost war against the Soviet Union, Finland was obliged to conclude an agreement of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance with Moscow but, against the odds, stayed a liberal democracy and a market economy that chose neutrality as a foreign policy line. To showcase the willingness and trustworthiness of the Finnish leaders and the society alike to Western cooperation, the Finnish government started an intense image campaigning to secure an access to the Western markets and political dialogue. These efforts at influencing foreign perceptions of Finland targeted even Japan, a member of the US-led bloc in the Cold War. Today, the legacy of this campaigning is still visible, for example in the Japanese fashion trend called ‘Finland Boom'. But will Finland's appearance at the upcoming Expo 2025 in Osaka this spring build on the old ideals, too? The episode is hosted by Dr. Outi Luova, Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku, Finland Laura Ipatti: From Finlandization to Finland Boom. Finland's Public Diplomacy in Japan, 1962–2003. University of Turku, Dec 2024.

Finland, a minor player on the international arena and burdened with the tag of ‘Finlandization' during much of the post-WWII period, has won surprisingly positive visibility and a strong nation brand in the far-off Japan in the 2000's. How has such a transformation of a small state's reputation been possible? In this episode, Dr. Laura Ipatti, Postdoctoral Researcher at the unit of Contemporary History, University of Turku, tackles this question by introducing the findings of her Doctoral Dissertation, titled From Finlandization to Finland Boom. Finland's Public Diplomacy in Japan, 1962–2003. In her study, Ipatti looks at the actors, means and motives that have participated in ‘making Finland known' in the economic and cultural powerhouse of post-WWII Japan. After the lost war against the Soviet Union, Finland was obliged to conclude an agreement of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance with Moscow but, against the odds, stayed a liberal democracy and a market economy that chose neutrality as a foreign policy line. To showcase the willingness and trustworthiness of the Finnish leaders and the society alike to Western cooperation, the Finnish government started an intense image campaigning to secure an access to the Western markets and political dialogue. These efforts at influencing foreign perceptions of Finland targeted even Japan, a member of the US-led bloc in the Cold War. Today, the legacy of this campaigning is still visible, for example in the Japanese fashion trend called ‘Finland Boom'. But will Finland's appearance at the upcoming Expo 2025 in Osaka this spring build on the old ideals, too? The episode is hosted by Dr. Outi Luova, Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku, Finland Laura Ipatti: From Finlandization to Finland Boom. Finland's Public Diplomacy in Japan, 1962–2003. University of Turku, Dec 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/eastern-european-studies

Finland, a minor player on the international arena and burdened with the tag of ‘Finlandization' during much of the post-WWII period, has won surprisingly positive visibility and a strong nation brand in the far-off Japan in the 2000's. How has such a transformation of a small state's reputation been possible? In this episode, Dr. Laura Ipatti, Postdoctoral Researcher at the unit of Contemporary History, University of Turku, tackles this question by introducing the findings of her Doctoral Dissertation, titled From Finlandization to Finland Boom. Finland's Public Diplomacy in Japan, 1962–2003. In her study, Ipatti looks at the actors, means and motives that have participated in ‘making Finland known' in the economic and cultural powerhouse of post-WWII Japan. After the lost war against the Soviet Union, Finland was obliged to conclude an agreement of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance with Moscow but, against the odds, stayed a liberal democracy and a market economy that chose neutrality as a foreign policy line. To showcase the willingness and trustworthiness of the Finnish leaders and the society alike to Western cooperation, the Finnish government started an intense image campaigning to secure an access to the Western markets and political dialogue. These efforts at influencing foreign perceptions of Finland targeted even Japan, a member of the US-led bloc in the Cold War. Today, the legacy of this campaigning is still visible, for example in the Japanese fashion trend called ‘Finland Boom'. But will Finland's appearance at the upcoming Expo 2025 in Osaka this spring build on the old ideals, too? The episode is hosted by Dr. Outi Luova, Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku, Finland Laura Ipatti: From Finlandization to Finland Boom. Finland's Public Diplomacy in Japan, 1962–2003. University of Turku, Dec 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finland, a minor player on the international arena and burdened with the tag of ‘Finlandization' during much of the post-WWII period, has won surprisingly positive visibility and a strong nation brand in the far-off Japan in the 2000's. How has such a transformation of a small state's reputation been possible? In this episode, Dr. Laura Ipatti, Postdoctoral Researcher at the unit of Contemporary History, University of Turku, tackles this question by introducing the findings of her Doctoral Dissertation, titled From Finlandization to Finland Boom. Finland's Public Diplomacy in Japan, 1962–2003. In her study, Ipatti looks at the actors, means and motives that have participated in ‘making Finland known' in the economic and cultural powerhouse of post-WWII Japan. After the lost war against the Soviet Union, Finland was obliged to conclude an agreement of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance with Moscow but, against the odds, stayed a liberal democracy and a market economy that chose neutrality as a foreign policy line. To showcase the willingness and trustworthiness of the Finnish leaders and the society alike to Western cooperation, the Finnish government started an intense image campaigning to secure an access to the Western markets and political dialogue. These efforts at influencing foreign perceptions of Finland targeted even Japan, a member of the US-led bloc in the Cold War. Today, the legacy of this campaigning is still visible, for example in the Japanese fashion trend called ‘Finland Boom'. But will Finland's appearance at the upcoming Expo 2025 in Osaka this spring build on the old ideals, too? The episode is hosted by Dr. Outi Luova, Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku, Finland Laura Ipatti: From Finlandization to Finland Boom. Finland's Public Diplomacy in Japan, 1962–2003. University of Turku, Dec 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/japanese-studies

This week on Look Forward, Jay and Brad return to discuss the Elon Musk's control over the U.S. financial payment system, the attack on USAID is in full swing, Dems begin an actually smart strategy, tariffs are happening...tariffs are not happening, Gitmo will be a concentration camp, and much more!Big TopicElon Musk stages what can only be called a coup over the weekendExclusive: Musk aides lock workers out of OPM computer systems | ReutersMusk claims to have shut down USAID (can't do that without Congress!)Schatz, Schatz, Schatz, Schatz, Schatz!So...what the fuck is going to happen now?News You NeedHouse races that REALLY MATTER coming April 1st (seriously)Tariffs are (not) happeningMexico folds...OR DO THEY?Canada folds...OR DO THEY?So why did this actually go sideways?Trump admin institutes funding freeze, walks it back, then unwalks it, then walks it?Trump plans to turn Gitmo into a sort of camp where migrants can be concentratedPlane disaster at Reagan just a week after Trump cans the head of the FAA at Elon's requestThe CFPB is probably dead; would love to allow companies to sell your sensitive informationRubio appoints incredibly racist MAGA chud as UnderSec of Public Diplomacy at State

In this episode, Adam and Alexandra start out by taking a look at the latest developments in the region, including the protests in Serbia, the impact of USAID funding cuts in the region, including in Ukraine, as well as a new energy deal between the European Commission and Moldova. Later, Adam is joined by Nurlan Aliyev, an expert on security issues, a lecturer in the University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw and author of the recently released book: Reassessing Russia's Security Policy published by Routledge. More on the book: https://bit.ly/42NbG06 Watch the conversation with Nurlan Aliyev on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KTJzbfhxkzA Don't forget to check out our Exclusive TEE Bonus Content on the protests in Serbia: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-121401661 Additional financing for this podcast is provided by the Polish MFA: Public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the grant competition “Public Diplomacy 2024 – 2025 - the European dimension and countering disinformation The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the official positions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

Send us a textOn this episode of State of a Nation, we uncover the shocking truth about UNRWA and its deep connections to Hamas. With Israel officially banning the agency, we take a hard look at how UNRWA has been used as a tool to enable terrorism—while Western democracies continue to support it.Join host Eylon Levy as he revisits eye-opening conversations with:

Rick Stengel on his journey to and from the top job at TIME magazine to traveling the world as Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs.

In this episode of The Brand Called You, Fernando Garibay, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of The Garibay Institute for Soft Power and Public Diplomacy, explores the intersection of creativity, technology, and the human spirit. He shares his unique journey from humble beginnings to collaborating with renowned artists like Lady Gaga and U2, while also delving into his work in diplomacy and public engagement through the Garibay Institute. Fernando discusses the evolving nature of identity in a post-AI world, the importance of organic intelligence, and the power of music and art to foster connection and understanding across cultures. 00:11- About Fernando Garibay Fernando Garibay is the Chairman, Founder, and CEO of The Garibay Institute for Soft Power and Public Diplomacy. He is also a practicing academic polymath and Music Producer. Fernando is a Gramm Winning Producer and visiting lecturer at Harvard University, Harvard Business School, Harvard Medical School, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Send us a textIn this compelling episode, former Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, former Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem and Israel's Special Envoy for Trade and Innovation. They delve into the future of Jerusalem under evolving geopolitical dynamics, including the implications of Donald Trump's return to the presidency and how it might impact Israel's diplomatic standing and international strategy.From the Abraham Accords to Israel's fight to maintain its economic and political edge, Fleur shares her expert insights on innovation, bridging societal gaps in Jerusalem, and the critical role of public diplomacy in shaping global perceptions.Topics include:- The significance of Jerusalem in Israel's domestic and foreign policy- The economic and cultural ripple effects of the Abraham Accords- How Trump's return could reshape Israel's relationship with the world- Strategies to combat misinformation and strengthen Israel's global image

From his time on the ground in the Israeli special forces to his bridge-building efforts as the National Public Diplomacy Unit Director, Gadi Ezra has dedicated his life to serving his country. From his time in Gaza in 2008 to his recent engagement after being called up from the reserves, Ezra is intimately familiar with war and how Hamas operates. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Ezra to discuss how Hamas operates, the mindset of Gaza, and how Israel should approach both combat and the hostage situation.

Heartland's Tim Benson is joined by Anthony Eames, director of scholarly initiatives at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, non-resident fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, and professorial lecturer at the Elliott School of International Affairs at The George Washington University, to discuss his new book, A Voice in Their Own Destiny: Reagan, Thatcher, and Public Diplomacy in the Nuclear 1980s. They chat about how the administrations of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher used innovations in public diplomacy to build back support for their foreign policy agendas at a moment of widespread popular dissent. They also discuss how ow competition between the governments of Reagan and Thatcher, the Anglo-American antinuclear movement, and the Soviet peace offensive sparked a revolution in public diplomacy.Get the book here: https://www.umasspress.com/9781625347107/a-voice-in-their-own-destiny/

In conversation with Rosevitha Ndumbu, Jessica Uiras and Ompha Tshamano In anticipation of the upcoming Namibian elections set for 27th November 2024, this episode focuses on youth participation in Namibia's political and public participation including electoral processes. The speakers, Rosevitha Ndumbu and Jessica Uiras, hosted by Ompha Tshamano discussed the topic. They identified significant barriers hindering youth engagement, notably the lack of civic education and awareness of the electoral process. The conversation challenges the idea of 'youth apathy' in Namibia and advocates for improved civic education initiatives to empower young people to actively engage in the political landscape. The conversation also highlights the structural challenges that young people face, such as high unemployment, which often hinders their political participation. There is a pressing need for political leaders and parties to strengthen their connections with young constituents to ensure that their interests are adequately represented in the decision-making process. Similarly, the speakers emphasise the role of technology and social media as crucial tools for mobilising and engaging young voters. Ultimately, this conversation highlights the need for the electoral landscape to be more adept and diverse to foster democratic participation.   Rosevitha Ndumbu is a Namibian researcher, digital rights advocate, and lawyer at the Institute of Public Policy Research. Her work involves fact-checking, research on corruption, human rights, and democracy, with a focus on law and technology, socio-economic issues, data protection, and cybersecurity. Rosevitha is affiliated with the Namibia Media Trust and is a member of the Global Shapers Windhoek Hub. She has served as Vice-President of the Internet Society Namibia Chapter and is an alumna of the African School on Internet Governance. Through her research and advocacy, Rosevitha aims to contribute to a well-informed Namibian populace and a secure digital landscape.   Jessica Uiras is a Human Rights Analyst, In-Country Researcher, and UNLEASH SDG Global Talent with a strong focus on Public Diplomacy and Rural Development. She is deeply committed to initiatives that promote democratic engagement, freedom of expression, and social justice in Namibia. Jessica currently serves as the Director of Communications at Rural Rise Namibia and is a co-founder of JAS Media cc. Additionally, she founded the Eagles Foundation, which advocates for marginalised communities, including young people with disabilities. She is also an alumna of the African School on Internet Governance. Ompha Tshamano currently serves as a Project Officer at the Expression, Information and Digital Rights (EIDR) Unit at the Centre for Human Rights. In addition to this role, he is pursuing a Master of Laws in socio-economic rights at the University of Pretoria and holds a keen interest in fostering the empowerment of vulnerable and marginalised communities within the digital era. This conversation was recorded on 26 August 2024. Youtube: https://youtu.be/MpQFogU6lns Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Libraryhttps://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc imitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386

Visit us at Network2020.org.2024 is a significant year for the trilateral relationship between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. It marks the 30th anniversary of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which laid the foundation for the 2020 USMCA deal. This is also an election year in both the U.S. and Mexico, the results of which will play a crucial role in shaping the future of these relations. Whichever administration wins the 2024 election will review the USMCA in 2026 and shape the region's trajectory in various areas. With the current geopolitical climate pushing the U.S. to re-evaluate its nearshoring strategy to enhance security and economic ties with its North American neighbors, what is the current state of economic relations between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada? What opportunities and challenges lie ahead for this trilateral relationship in light of the 2024 elections? And what future does the USMCA hold?Join us for a conversation between Mr. Goldy Hyder, President and Chief Executive of the Business Council of Canada; Dr. Joshua Meltzer, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution; and Professor Pamela Starr, Professor of the practice in the Department of Political Science and International Relations and in the Public Diplomacy program at the University of Southern California, where they will discuss these questions and more.Music by Sergii Pavkin from PixabayMusic by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay

Today's guest is Jeta Abazi Gashi, an award-winning journalist from Kosovo and a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at the Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication at the George Washington University. In this episode, Alon and Jeta discuss the question of identity and belonging among Kosovar youth, especially given Kosovo's status as the youngest state in Europe, their views on nationalism and secularism, and Kosovo's relations with Europe and the United States. Full bio An award-winning journalist from Kosovo, Jeta Abazi Gashi has a background in three disciplines, journalism, political science, and history. She is completing her Ph.D. at the University of Leipzig (15 of October) and has also held various visiting fellowships at the University of Vienna, the University of Trento, and the École Normale Supérieure in Paris. Prior to her academic career, she worked as an investigative journalist and for various international organizations in Kosovo. She joins the Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication at the George Washington University as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar from Kosovo. She will explore questions related to discourse, identity, and political communication between Kosovo and the United States. Her Ph.D. focused on religion and secularity in Albania and Kosovo. Her other works focused on national identity, democratization, and media framing of terrorism.

On today's episode of Kalam Podcast Edgar speaks with the founder of Uncivilized Media, Salem Barahmeh. Uncivilized is a channel that tells stories about people and places that are unrepresented, silenced or erased. Very similar to what we do here at Kalam Podcast. Edgar first met Salem on a cold, rainy day in Stockholm several years ago. At the time, he was working with PIPD, the Palestinian Institute for Public Diplomacy. He was traveling the Western World, lobbying for the Palestinian cause with politicians, diplomats and grassroots organisers. Since then he has pivoted into storytelling and political education, catering largely to the masses on social media. And he's been very successful. We'll get back to Salem Barahmeh and his storytelling that connects stories of struggle from Northern Sweden to Palestine to Taiwan.If you enjoy Kalam Podcast and want to suppor the show, there is an excellent way to do so - by joining Klub Kalam on patreon. For just $3 a month you'll gain access to full length interviews with all our guests and lots of bonus material - including our series Kalam Shorts: 10-15 explainers of concepts like Zionism and Orientalism. Join at patreon.com/kalampodcastFor continuous updates on the podcast and content about Palestine and the Middle East, follow us on Instagram @kalampodcast Please subscribe to Kalam Podcast in whatever podcast application you're listening to right now - and give us a rating. It helps other people find out about us.

There are various stories circulating, including that he crossed the road at the wrong place, he doesn't have money for accommodation, the government have allegedly taken away his documents, he was abusive to his ex and and and. We've reached out to Jenna who posted the Tweet, we've tried to contact Emmerich Basson who is in the video, we've reached out to Clayson Monyela - Head of Public Diplomacy at DIRCO; but nobody seems to want to speak on this matter... But what happens if you are arrested overseas? According to the DIRCO website: Persons who have been arrested outside their own country must be given access to their Consular Representative. South Africans in this situation must immediately request the authorities to allow them to contact the South African Representative in that country.   Consular officials seek to ensure that South African citizens arrested abroad are treated humanely while incarcerated. In this regard, issues such as torture, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment will be reported and taken up with the local authorities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suzanne Kianpour is a BBC correspondent and presenter based in Washington, DC. She reports and anchors on BBC World News and BBC World Service and created the "Women Building Peace" program, connecting influential women with those in conflict zones. Kianpour also serves as the Capitol Hill correspondent for "CONTEXT" with Christian Fraser. With over a decade of experience, she has covered foreign affairs and politics in nearly 60 countries, emphasizing public service in journalism. An Emmy-nominated journalist, Kianpour teaches Public Diplomacy at UCLA and authored a study on Iranian digital influence for the Atlantic Council. She has been recognized as a top leader under 40 by Emory University and Washington Life magazine. Double your potential with SuperBeets Heart Chews. Get a free thirty-day supply of SuperBeets Heart Chews on all bundles and 15% off your first order by going to GETSUPERBEETS.COM and using code BEAT. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#LEBANON: Human shields. Jonathan Nizar Elkhoury is an Israeli Lebanese Christian, LGBTQ+ activist, public diplomacy adviser, commentator, and advocate for Israel. He founded and coordinated the Minorities Project, which features Israeli minorities presenting their perspectives about life in the democratic Jewish state and their contributions to its current success. Elkhoury is the former spokesman for the Christian Empowerment Council 1956 BEIRUT

We're entering a new era of warfare – where disinformation, countering disinformation, and hybrid threats are at the forefront – threats that the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance (NATO) is not taking lightly. Marie-Doha Besancenot, Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy, NATO, joins to discuss the different ways NATO is prioritizing this space.

This Week's Guests: Sociologist/ Speaker - Dr. Sam Richards Episode 324 "Rethink Production presents "Live From America Podcast" - a weekly show that combines political commentary with humor. Hosted by the comedy cellar owner Noam Dworman and producer Hatem Gabr, the show features expert guests discussing news, culture, and politics with a blend of knowledge and laughter. Dr. Sam Richards is an award-winning sociologist, speaker, and Teaching Professor at Penn State University and a Distinguished Professor at Konkuk University in Seoul, Korea. With 800 students each semester and a 33 year legacy, his SOC 119 course is the largest race, ethnicity and cultural relations course in the world and was the subject of an Emmy Award winning television broadcast called, “You Can't Say That.” Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon (EST), his class is live streamed to 350,000 subscribers from 210 countries at the class YouTube channel. Sam's videos have generated over 400 million views, making SOC 119 “the most widely recognized classroom in the world,” according to one commentator. His willingness to challenge orthodox thinking led him to be named one of the “101 Most Dangerous Professors in America” and one of the “parents of radical empathy.” He obtained his Ph.D. from Rutgers University with a focus on socioeconomic development of Latin America and Africa but considers himself an academic generalist who thinks about a wide range of global issues. Arguing that empathy is the core of sociology, his "Radical Experiment in Empathy" is one of the most widely viewed TEDx talks online. As the Co-founder at the World in Conversation Center for Public Diplomacy, Sam co- directed an innovative research project to develop a virtual cross-cultural dialogue tool for NATO military personnel and civilians in conflict zones. He has consulted a wide range of U.S.-based and international corporations and organizations about a social and cultural issues. His work has been covered by media outlets around the world and he is currently recognized for his insights about South Korean society and culture. Follow Live From America YouTube @livefromamericapodcast Twitter twitter.com/AmericasPodcast www.LiveFromAmericaPodcast.com LiveFromAmericapodcast@gmail.com Follow Hatem Twitter twitter.com/HatemNYC Instagram www.instagram.com/hatemnyc/ Follow Noam Twitter twitter.com/noam_dworman #SamRichards #DrSamRichards #Politicaldivision

Je suis particulièrement émue de partager ma conversation avec Ines Abdel Razek, Directeur Executive au sein du Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy (PIPD). Avant cela, Inès a travaillé au sein de l´Union pour la Méditerranée, l'ONU puis a exercé en tant que consultante au bureau du premier ministre palestinien.L'Interview a été enregistré à distance car elle est actuellement basée à Ramallah.Ines est née à Paris d'une maman française et d´un papa refugié palestinien militant de l'OLP (Organisation de la libération de la Palestine) ce qui la conduira à rencontrer plusieurs fois Yasser Arafat. Durant son enfance, elle vit de façons périodiques en France et en Palestine. Elle nous parle avec nostalgie de ses années passées à Gaza.Inès revient sur ses années d´étude à Science Po, ses premières expériences professionnelles et ce qui l'a incité à s'installer en Palestine afin de s'engager en faveur de son pays.Elle nous raconte son quotidien et toutes les contraintes auxquelles sont confrontées les Palestiniens de Cisjordanie.Nous avons également parlé de l'évolution de son identité, de l'invisibilisation des voix palestiniennes, de la transmission d´un patrimoine détruit depuis des années mais aussi du conflit actuel et de son impact sur l'ordre mondial.Inès est devenue maman quelque jours avant le 7 octobre. Elle évoque la façon qu'elle a eu d'appréhender cette étape si importante de la vie dans le contexte actuel.Le parcours et l'histoire d´Inès m'ont profondément touché.Sans plus attendre je laisse place à la HeyA du jour - Inès Abdel Razek.---------------Pour suivre Ines et soutenir le PIPDInstagram: @Inesarazek et @rabetbypipdPour soutenir le PIPD : https://www.thepipd.com/donate/Pour suivre Heya Instagram: @heya_podcast Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Liz Allen, U.S. Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, discusses her role in countering disinformation, combatting foreign malign influence, and fostering a resilient global information space.

This episode was recorded on July 5th, 2023. Laila Mickelwait, the Founder and CEO of the Justice Defense Fund and the visionary behind the Traffickinghub movement, boasts over 15 years of dedicated research and activism against sex trafficking, establishing herself as a leading expert in the field. As the driving force behind Traffickinghub, a global initiative targeting Pornhub, the world's largest pornography website, Mickelwait has garnered immense support, with over 2.3 million people signing a petition to shut down Pornhub. Her social media efforts, attracting over 300 million views, and collaboration with 600 organizations have sparked extensive media coverage globally, drawing attention to the platform's alleged facilitation and profiting from child abuse, sex trafficking, rape, and criminal exploitation. Mickelwait's academic background includes a Master of Public Diplomacy degree from the University of Southern California, and her impactful work has been featured in numerous prestigious news outlets worldwide.   Find more from Laila: #Traffickinghub petition: traffickinghubpetition.com Justice Defence Fund: https://justicedefensefund.org/   Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tammy.m.peterson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TammyPetersonPodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tammypetersonpodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tammy1Peterson Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/TammyPetersonPodcast  

Since 9/11, Muslims have occupied the U.S. public and political spheres as threats to national security, as victims of hate crimes, as targets of torture and war, and as a community to be included in diversity initiatives. This insightful panel will explore Muslim inclusion and representation in a variety of contexts, including education, politics, and the entertainment industry. Shafiqa Ahmadi is an associate professor of Clinical Education at the Rossier School of Education and the co-director for USC's Center for Education, Identity, and Social Justice. She is an expert on diversity and legal protection of underrepresented students, including female Muslims, and is the co-editor of Islamophobia in Higher Education: Combating Discrimination and Creating Understanding. Maytha Alhassen holds a PhD in American Studies and Ethnicity from USC. She is the writer of the report, Haqq and Hollywood: Illuminating 100 Years of Muslim Tropes and How to Transform Them, and producer and writer of the Golden Globe and Peabody­–winning Hulu series Ramy. Evelyn Alsultany is the author of Broken: The Failed Promise of Muslim Inclusion and Arabs and Muslims in the Media: Race and Representation after 9/11. She is an associate professor of American Studies and Ethnicity at USC, has served as a consultant for Hollywood studios, and co-authored the Obeidi-Alsultany Test with criteria to help Hollywood improve representations of Muslims. Hajar Yazdiha is an assistant professor of Sociology, faculty affiliate of the Equity Research Institute, and a 2022–23 Ford Foundation Fellow at the USC Dornsife School of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. She is an expert on the racial politics of inclusion and exclusion and is the author of The Struggle for the People's King: How Politics Transforms the Memory of the Civil Rights Movement. Moderator: Varun Soni is the Dean of Religious Life at USC, University Fellow at USC Annenberg's Center on Public Diplomacy, and an adjunct professor at the USC School of Religion. His writings have appeared in the Washington Post, Huffington Post, Crosscurrents, Jewish Journal, and Harvard Divinity Bulletin.

What is reputational security for states? And what exactly do officials do to protect states' reputations? How has social media and other communication technologies affected states and efforts to protect their reputations? This discussion is centered around Nickolas J. Cull's book Reputational Security: Refocusing Public Diplomacy for a Dangerous World. [ dur: 58mins. ] Nicholas … Continue reading Scholars' Circle – Book Author interview: Reputational Security, with insight into its importance in public diplomacy today – March 17, 2024 →

This past week, Latinitas had the true privilege of being in the presence of Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy, Elizabeth Allen. A true visionary, and inspiring woman working in the US Department of State to make a positive change in the world. Following her inspiring SXSW panel with Latina musician Gina Chavez, Latinitas was able to speak with her on the importance of Music Diplomacy, her exciting feelings about emerging technology, and so much more. Please enjoy our conversation with the inspiring Elizabeth Allen. 

About the Lecture Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Alphonso Jackson will discuss the interconnection between the American Civil Rights movement and international human rights yesterday and today. Jackson grew up in segregated Dallas, Texas. In 1965, he marched for Civil Rights on Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama. The relationship between foreign affairs and the American Civil Rights story was highlighted in an address by Secretary of State Dean Rusk in 1963 and remains true today. “As the matters stand, however, racial discrimination here at home has important effects on our foreign relations. This is not because such discrimination is unique to the United States. Discrimination on account of race, color, religion, national or tribal origin may be found in many countries. But the United States is widely regarded as the home of democracy and the leader of the struggle for freedom, for human rights and human dignity.” -Secretary of State Dean Rusk before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, 1963 (The Department of State Bulletin, Volume 49: “Fulfilling Our Basic Commitments as a Nation, Statement by Secretary Rusk”) About the Speaker Secretary Alphonso Jackson, former Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, has decades of experience in housing and community development. His expertise includes the development of affordable and market-rate housing, handling complex urban development issues, and housing finance. Jackson was appointed by President George W. Bush as the 13th Secretary of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate in March 2004. Before being appointed Secretary, Jackson served as the Deputy Secretary of HUD, managing the daily operations of the $36 billion agency. After his government service, Jackson served as Vice Chairman of Mortgage Services with JP Morgan Chase, followed by Senior Advisor to the CEO at First Data Corporation(now Fiserv Corporation). Early in his professional career, he was president and COO of American Electric Power-Texas, a $13 billion utility company and subsidiary of American Electric Power. From 1988-1996, he was president and CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Dallas, ranked among the best-managed large-city housing agencies during his tenure. As a college student, Jackson volunteered as a student protester in Alabama on Bloody Sunday in March 1965, a civil rights protest from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Jackson serves on the United States Institute for Peace International Advisory Board and Ford's Theater Society Board of Trustees. He also recently served on the United States Department of State Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board(Chair). He is a member of The Alfalfa Club and Horatio Alger Association(Board of Directors). He has been awarded numerous civic awards and eleven honorary degrees from colleges and universities, including his alma mater, Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master's in Education Administration from Truman State University. He also has a Juris Doctor from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, MO.

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Liz Allen. The pair discussed Under Secretary Allen's mission to reimagine the power and purpose of American diplomacy, including her role in planning the 2016 meal between President Obama and Anthony Bourdain in Vietnam.

Originally from a small Christian community in Lebanon, Jonathan El Khoury is now a prominent Israeli activist, working tirelessly to promote ties between Israel and the minority communities in them. His Reservists on Duty project has defended Israel from its detractors on college campuses across the United States, and El Khoury himself has supported the empowering of Israeli Christians and Muslims to enlist in the IDF. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with El Khoury to discuss growing up in and being forced to leave Lebanon, adjusting to life in Israel, and his thoughts on the October 7 attacks.

The United States and the Republic of Korea have been celebrating the 70th anniversary of the alliance and the 120th anniversary of Korean immigration to the United States throughout 2023. Along with our military and economic partnership, people-to-people ties have served as a central pillar of our multifaceted relationship. Both those who have practiced diplomacy and ordinary people through their personal and professional connections have contributed to the close and ever deepening relationship our two countries enjoy today. Please hear from current and former Ambassadors about how public diplomacy has expanded the diplomatic horizons of our alliance and how it will help the two countries and their people achieve a secure and prosperous future.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 46 of the war. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and reporter Gavriel Fiske join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's podcast. There are unceasing rumors that a hostage deal and/or a ceasefire are close. Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh has released a statement on social media that the group is close to a “truce” agreement. But as of recording time, official Israel is tightlipped on any such deal and concentrating its PR efforts on displaying proof of Hamas's use of Shifa Hospital as a base and other evidence found in the ground offensive. Rettig Gur expounds on why Israel is so terrible at public diplomacy -- and why it may work in the country's favor. Reichman University's Recanati International school launched its fall semester on Sunday. Fiske was there and spoke with several students who left what they felt were antisemitic environments for war-torn Israel. Finally, Fiske describes Israel's number one hit song of the moment, "Charbu Darbu," an angry hip-hop anthem in support of the war with Hamas. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 21, 2023 Antisemitic incidents surged globally since Oct. 7 but most aren't reported. Here's why Hip-hop war anthem reaches number one in Israel THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Stories of civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Illustrative: Hundreds of Canadians attend a rally calling for the release of children held kidnapped by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, in Toronto, Canada. November 20, 2023. (Doron Horowitz/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with his colleague, and the director of the Reagan Institute's Scholarly Initiatives, Dr. Anthony Eames. They discuss Dr. Eames' latest book entitled, “A Voice in Their Own Destiny: Reagan, Thatcher, and Public Diplomacy in the Nuclear 1980s.” Topics covered include Soviet totalitarianism, public […]

The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is ageing and his ruling Fatah party is deeply unpopular. There have been protests against him and the Palestinian Authority. Many Palestinians feel the PA has lost legitimacy. There's no plan for how to choose a successor to Mahmoud Abbas and any candidate is likely to be controversial. There's a risk that an unpopular replacement may throw the occupied territories into chaos, even violence, and have major implications for the future goals of Palestinian people. Presented by Emily Wither Produced by Louise Clarke Researched by Matt Toulson Edited by Tara McDermott Mixed by Jack Wood Contributors: Dalia Hatuqa, independent Palestinian journalist. Khalil Shikaki, Professor of Political Science and director of the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research. Ahmad Khalidi, political analyst and writer on Palestinian and Middle East political and strategic affairs. Ines Abdel Razak, executive director of the Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy. Image: Palestinians celebrate vote, Credit: Uriel Sinai/Getty Images

Ralph welcomes Maxim Thorne director of the non-partisan Civic Influencers, an organization that trains young people to inspire their peers to vote and therefore swing elections toward issues they care about and also fights “generational gerrymandering,” efforts by certain states to make it harder for 18 to 29-year-olds to vote. Plus, Ralph gives his take on some recent news items, answers your questions, and comments on your recent feedback.Maxim Thorne is a lawyer, activist, philanthropist, and a Lecturer at Yale. He has worked with the NAACP, Human Rights Campaign, New Jersey Head Start Association, GLAAD, the Executive Committee of the Yale Law School, and the Yale Alumni Task Force on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. He currently serves as Chief Executive of Civic Influencers, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to inspiring young people to make their voices heard—and their votes count.When we think about how important young people are to saving our democracy, and voting on pro-democracy candidates, and voting on issues like climate change and abortion rights and LGBTQ rights— what are we giving them? If you are not moving to relieve their student debt, and you are not moving to allow them to organize so they get better paid jobs that allow them to lead a decent life, you're not giving that most important part of our electorate what they need and what they're demanding.Maxim ThorneWe can show [young people] the power of their vote— that's the marching band, the glee club, the gospel choir, the football team, the cheerleaders alone could swing that election. One dorm could swing that election. That is power.Maxim ThorneIt's really amazing how, after the civil rights battles and the civil rights laws in the 1960s and ‘70s, most people thought, “That battle is over, it's up to you to vote, and no one's going to obstruct you.” And along come some of these rightwing corporate lawyers for the GOP. And they say, “Hey, we can develop all kinds of ways to harass, delay, expunge, purge, and not count votes!” And that's what a lot of Republican governors are doing from Florida to Texas.Ralph NaderIn Case You Haven't Heard with Francesco DeSantis1. For the first time in 20 years, Israel has attacked the Jenin Palestinian refugee camp, the New York Times reports. Less than two weeks earlier, far-right Israeli defense minister Itamar Ben Gvir went on record saying “We have to settle the land of Israel and at the same time need to launch a military campaign, blow up buildings, assassinate terrorists. Not one, or two, but dozens, hundreds, or if needed, thousands.” This brutal attack has reignited international outcry against Israeli apartheid, including from the United Nations, but few expect the Biden administration to impose serious penalties in response.2. A group of congressional progressives is speaking out in response to the White House's decision to transfer cluster munitions to Ukraine. In a statement, this group wrote “Cluster munitions have been banned by nearly 125 countries…because of the indiscriminate harm they cause, including mass civilian injury and death.” This statement also notes that the administration is circumventing clear directives from Congress restricting the transfer of these weapons. This statement was signed by Reps. Pramila Jayapal, Barbara Lee, and Ilhan Omar, among other progressives.3. Per Ryan Grim of the Intercept, on the other side of the aisle, Matt Gaetz – the dissident House Republican – has committed to cosponsoring the amendment to bar the transfer of cluster munitions. One hopes this Left-Right coalition can expand and stop this move.4. The Verge reports that Microsoft has won the first round of its legal battle with the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC sought a preliminary injunction to prevent the tech giant's acquisition of the video game conglomerate Activision Blizzard. The ruling follows “five days of grueling testimony.” Despite their victory, Microsoft still faces an antitrust lawsuit.5. In Guatemala, an electoral crisis is unfolding. Shocking results in the June 25th elections put Bernardo Arevalo – a progressive anti-corruption candidate and son of former left-wing president Juan Jose Arevalo – into the second round, defeating the daughter of former Guatemalan dictator Efrain Rios Montt and setting up a showdown with the former first lady Sandra Torres. However, a coalition of nine right wing parties have filed a lawsuit to suspend the results, citing far-fetched allegations of fraud. The Organization of American States is urging the Guatemalan authorities to reject the lawsuit because "The Mission verified that no serious irregularities were revealed and that no significant changes were registered with respect to the preliminary results of Sunday, June 25." This from Reuters.6. The sports pages of both the LA Times and New York Times took major hits this week. According to the Sporting Tribune, the LA Times “will no longer have box scores, standings, game stories, TV listings or a daily sports calendar.” These changes were reportedly made to accommodate new 3 p.m. deadlines following the sale of the paper's printing press. At the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal reports that the Grey Lady is planning to close its sports desk entirely, and instead rely on The Athletic for their daily sports coverage. This is "part of an effort to further integrate the publication it bought for $550 million last year."7. A wild story in Variety alleges that Warner Brothers-Discovery CEO David Zaslav made a crooked bargain with GQ's editor-in-chief Will Welch. The terms? In exchange for burying a GQ story critical of Zaslav, Welch got a plum position as a producer on a WB film. If so, Welch likely violated the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics which states reporters and editors should “avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived [and] disclose unavoidable conflicts.”8. Common Dreams reports that President Biden has nominated Elliott Abrams to the US Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. Abrams, a lifelong neoconservative war hawk, has admitted to covering up information in the Iran-Contra scandal and ignored reports of the massacres in El Salvador in the 1980s. Abrams later called US policy in El Salvador a “fabulous achievement.” Listeners may remember a heated confrontation between Abrams and Rep. Ilhan Omar when he was nominated as a diplomat to Iran and Venezuela under President Trump in 2019.9. According to the Financial Times, “Elon Musk's Tesla has joined Chinese automakers in pledging to enhance “core socialist values” and compete fairly in the country's car market after Beijing directed the industry to rein in a months-long price war.” While Elon Musk, one of the richest men in the world, clearly does not hew to ‘core socialist values' it is a marked turn from his previous comments on the topic, including tweeting that “Karl Marx was a capitalist.” We recommend he take a break from Twitter, and maybe read a book? Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe