Analyses Of American Public Diplomacy In Egypt InMubarak Era

The United States’ public diplomacy in Egypt began in World War II, and had been developed from President Nasser, President Sadat to President Mubarak. Before Mubarak, the United States’ public diplomacy in Egypt focused on broadcasting, educational and cultural exchanges as well as assistance to Egypt, which promoted the development of education in Egypt and provided a peaceful environment and gave financial support for the development of the economy in Sadat era. During Mubarak era, the public diplomacy in Egypt focused on democracy promotion. Successive U.S. administrations continue to adjust democratic policies, and carry out democracy promotion activities through various agencies such as the U.S. Agency for International Development and various projects such as the Middle East Partnership Initiative, which influenced and promoted the process of democratization in Egypt. The United States established Radio Sawa and AlHurra Television Stations, issued "Hi" magazine. The two-way communication through internet also aided in spreading American values and lifestyle to Egyptians, fostered people’s understanding of the United States. The United States set up a series of programs which included window of United States, the Fulbright Program and English Teaching Programs, aiming to promote educational and cultural exchanges in Egypt and to push forward the development of education in Egypt. Military and economic assistance projects in Egypt enhanced military cooperation between the United States and Egypt, and provided financial support for the implementation of democracy promotion projects and exchange programs.The public diplomacy gave Egyptians a better understanding in the United States, but the image of United States in Egyptian does not change essentially. On the other hand, the public diplomacy led to the downfall of the Mubarak regime although it’s not the original intention of the United States. The United States’ aid, especially in military, enhanced the military relationship between the United States and Egypt. On the whole, the effect of the United States’ public diplomacy in Egypt is poor for many reasons: the United States’ policy in Middle East comes first. In addition, the public diplomacy in Egypt itself also make matters worse with uncertain strategies, unsmooth pathways of information dissemination, insufficient investment funds and so on. All these have prevented the further development of the United States’ public diplomacy.