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International Relations & Diplomacy vocabulary · Diplomacy & Embassies

Public diplomacy

Meaning in international relations & diplomacy, with examples

nounCommon term

In international relations & diplomacy, public diplomacy means: Efforts by a government to inform and influence people in other countries directly, through media, culture, education and exchanges, not only through other governments.

In Turkish: kamu diplomasisi

How it is used

Embassies carry out public diplomacy through social media, cultural events, scholarships and press work. It is closely linked to soft power and 'nation branding'. 'Cultural diplomacy' and 'digital diplomacy' are related forms.

Example sentences

  1. The embassy's public diplomacy team runs a student exchange programme.

  2. Social media has changed the way public diplomacy is done.

  3. Film festivals are a popular tool of public diplomacy.

Common collocations

  • public diplomacy campaign
  • cultural diplomacy
  • digital diplomacy
  • public diplomacy strategy
  • soft powerA country's ability to influence others through attraction, such as its culture, values, education and policies, rather than through force or payment.
  • diplomacyThe work of managing relations between countries through talks, agreements and official contacts rather than force; also the skill of dealing with people tactfully.
  • embassyThe main official mission of one country in another country's capital, led by an ambassador; also the building where this mission works.
  • attachéA member of an embassy's staff who specialises in a particular area, such as defence, trade, culture or press; in many foreign services also the most junior diplomatic rank.

More terms: Diplomacy & Embassies

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