The Role Of Public Diplomacy In American Foreign Policy Of The21st Century

The United States is one of the earliest countries that study public diplomacyboth in theory and in practice. Public diplomacy policies in the U.S. have beenadjusted due to various reasons, especially since the beginning of the21stcentury.After having made great contributions for the United States in the Cold War, publicdiplomacy once faded out and USIA, the major official public diplomacy arm, wasfolded into the Department of State in1999. Public diplomacy did not recapturemuch attention until in2001, when9/11attacks resulted in extensive death anddestruction. The Obama administration attaches great importance to smart power andnew technologies. This thesis introduces American public diplomacy practices in the21stcentury, analyzes motivations and objectives of policy adjustments, and thensummarizes the achievements and restrictive factors in conducting public diplomacy.The United States has been adjusting and improving public diplomacy policies forthe underlying purpose of achieving national interests. There are objective andsubjective reasons for such adjustments. Fast-growing communication technologieshave transformed the way in which the government interacts with foreign audiences.With increasing importance of soft power in dealing with foreign relations, publicdiplomacy serves as an indispensable part in recovering American economy andstrengthening American global strategies.The United States has unique advantages in carrying out public diplomacy. Ithas long-established agencies, well-experienced officials, cutting-edge technologiesand passionate citizens. But at the same time, it is confronted with pressingchallenges. Institutional reforms prove to be difficult during finite political terms,inconsistent policies of different administrations counteract efforts of policy makers,and the self-image of American leadership to be the savior to other countriesundermines engagement with foreign publics.