Public Diplomacy Council of America

💭 “I didn’t think much about PD…” — and yet, a series of international experiences led Carl Budd to a career in public diplomacy and the Foreign Service. In an interview with the USC Center on Public Diplomacy, Budd reflects on the path that brought him there. Read more: uscpublicdiplomacy.org/story/qa-cpd-c…

🌍 How do Americans see the world—and how does the world see the U.S.? Join us on June 15 for a conversation with Richard Wike of the Pew Research Center on new findings from Pew’s annual global attitudes survey. 📍 GWU Elliott School + Zoom
 📅 June 15 | 12 PM 🔗 Register now: publicdiplomacy.org/news_manager.p…

What makes alliances resilient in times of global instability? According to Tatiana Gfoeller-Volkoff, it’s trust—and the willingness of leaders across sectors to stand together. Her article, “The Currency of Trust: Why a Covenant Forged in Peace Matters Most in Crisis,” explores the growing role of private-sector leadership in global diplomacy and international partnerships. Read more: #zoom=true" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">libraryenterprisingwomen.com/spring2026/110…

In his Worth Noting column, Bill Wanlund interviewed Nikki Hinshaw on the importance of citizen diplomacy and its growing role in Public Diplomacy. The conversation explores career pathways, opportunities in the field, and how Public Diplomacy Council of America supports practitioners and emerging leaders. Read more: publicdiplomacy.org/news_manager.p…

Great discussion at PDCA's May First Monday Forum on "Diplomacy's Public Turn" — exploring diplomacy's future in a turbulent world. 🌍 Thanks to our speakers Vivian Walker, Kathy R. Fitzpatrick, Bruce Gregory & Nicholas Cull for their insights on US public diplomacy. And a huge thank you to our outgoing Hans "Tom" Tuch Fellow, Lam Tran — we'll miss you! 🌟 In case you missed it, catch the full video on our YouTube channel: youtu.be/dpEDbxZJRKs?si… Photos courtesy of Bruce Guthrie #PublicDiplomacy #Diplomacy #PDCA

Have you heard of Punch the Monkey? Lamia Zia argues this viral figure is more than a meme—it’s a form of soft power shaping global narratives. Read more: uscpublicdiplomacy.org/blog/punch-mon…

🇭🇺 How is Hungary reshaping its political past? According to Dr. Vivian Walker, one monument at a time. She warns Hungary’s “brick-and-mortar revisionism” rejects democratic values, distorts history, and echoes disinformation tactics under Viktor Orbán. Read more: warontherocks.com/say-it-with-st…

📅 1 week to go! Join us May 4 at 12 PM ET for PDCA’s First Monday Forum 🌍
Featuring discussion on Diplomacy’s Public Turn: Prospects for Theory and Practice, a new volume on how diplomacy is evolving—through deeper public engagement, the centrality of public diplomacy, and the impact of digital tech & AI amid global challenges. 📍 GWU + Zoom
🔗 Register: publicdiplomacy.org/news_manager.p… The event is co-sponsored by the USC Annenberg Center on Communication Leadership and Policy, GWU Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication, and the USC Center on Public Diplomacy.

🌍 PDCA’s May First Monday Forum Join us May 4 at 12 PM ET for a discussion of Diplomacy’s Public Turn: Prospects for Theory and Practice, a new volume on how diplomacy is evolving—through deeper public engagement, the centrality of public diplomacy, and the impact of digital tech & AI amid global challenges. Featuring co-editors Kathy R. Fitzpatrick & Bruce Gregory, plus contributors Dr. Vivian Walker & Nicholas Cull. Hybrid event. Register: publicdiplomacy.org/news_manager.p…

💭 Are we seeing a counterrevolution in U.S. foreign policy? Amb. (ret.) Tom Shannon explores the idea in the Steady State podcast, suggesting a shift from alliance-based diplomacy toward an “America First” approach. Bill Wanlund breaks it down in this week's "Worth Noting". Read more: publicdiplomacy.org/news_manager.p…

Is soft power outdated—or more vital than ever? Dr. Vivian Walker explores the tension and asks: how do we rebuild strategic patience in its use? Read more: uscpublicdiplomacy.org/blog/strategic…

👏Thanks to everyone who joined PDCA’s April First Monday Forum! We explored public diplomacy’s role in IR curricula and how professionals can contribute. Featured speakers from Syracuse University, University of Denver, and Florida International University brought great insights to our audience. Plus, an exclusive off-the-record discussion with DC-area deans for in-person attendees provided a direct connection to local university programs for practitioners. Watch the recording: youtu.be/lUeUPDBio7I

“If First Amendment rights are weakened, the messengers will be muzzled… Disinformation will fill the void.” What happens when trusted voices are silenced? PDCA member Steve Herman explores why it matters now more than ever here: newsguy.substack.com/p/muzzled-mist…

PDCA’s April First Monday Forum is April 6 at 12 PM ET Explore how IR programs are evolving & what it means for public diplomacy. Featuring leading APSIA deans + an off-the-record conversation after with American University’s School of International Service Interim Dean Rachel Sullivan Robinson. 📍 GWU Elliott School (Room 505) + Zoom
🥪 Lunch for early arrivals
🔗 publicdiplomacy.org/news_manager.p… #PublicDiplomacy #IR #GlobalAffairs

PDCA’s April FMF: Trends in International Relations Studies: Opportunities for Public Diplomacy 📅 April 6 | 🕛 12 PM ET
📍 GWU Elliott School + Zoom Explore new opportunities for public diplomacy in IR programs through discussion with leading deans from APSIA schools.
 🔗 Attend in-person: eventbrite.com/e/april-fmf-tr… 🔗Attend online: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regist… #ForeignPolicy #GlobalAffairs

This month, PDCA Rising Professionals visited the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington, DC for an engaging discussion on Poland’s current public diplomacy priorities. Participants met with Embassy staff and gained valuable insights into the hard and soft skills essential for building a successful career in public diplomacy. Thanks to @PolishEmbassyUS for the great opportunity!

📣Are you a student, teacher, or practitioner of public diplomacy? Take a look at PDCA member Bruce Gregory’s issue #134 of his series on Diplomacy's Public Dimension: Books, Articles, Websites for resources! 🔗ipdgc.gwu.edu/bruce-gregorys…