“Public Diplomacy in the News” is a CPD Blog series by Andrew Dubbins that spotlights noteworthy stories on public diplomacy topics such as cultural diplomacy, nation branding, exchange programs, international events and conferences, digital diplomacy, and strategic global communications.
World Cup fans traveling across the United States are finding unexpected joy not only in iconic landmarks and stadiums, but in the ordinary rituals of American life, from wandering the aisles of Bass Pro Shops and Buc-ee’s to debating Chipotle portions and marveling at roadside ice machines.
Their social media dispatches, which have resonated with American audiences, portray a more nuanced and affectionate view of the country at a moment when international perceptions often skew negative.
Ukrainian theater as cultural resistance — Amid Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, live theater has emerged not merely as a reflection of conflict but as an act of resilience, community-building, and cultural survival.
Drawing on experiences at Kyiv’s GRA Theatre Festival, American Theatre’s Brandice Thompson highlights veteran performers, playwrights, and artists who continue creating despite air raids, blackouts, and personal loss, viewing their work as a defense of Ukrainian identity against centuries of cultural suppression.
Sail4th 250 brings the world to New York Harbor.
New York Harbor is preparing to host one of the largest maritime celebrations in American history as nearly 50 tall ships from 20 countries converge for Sail4th 250, a centerpiece of the United States’ 250th Independence Day commemoration.
From July 3–8, the event will feature an International Parade of Sail in which historic vessels travel past landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, accompanied by more than 40 U.S.
And allied naval vessels and an aerial review involving over 120 aircraft led by the Blue Angels.
Organizers expect roughly six million spectators along New York’s waterfront, while extensive television and streaming coverage will showcase what is being billed as an unprecedented international goodwill gathering and the largest maritime and aerial assembly ever held in the United States.
Nonproliferation — As artificial intelligence companies race toward ever more powerful systems and trillion-dollar valuations, Anthropic has proposed creating a global mechanism to slow or temporarily pause frontier A.I.
