Over the last few decades, there has been much public diplomacy has been described as another form of propaganda by many, but is it?
As we know, public diplomacy is a transparent method adopted by a sovereign country by which it communicates with other countries around the world that influences foreign audiences widely and promotes national interest. Public diplomacy includes activities such as exchange programs, visits, T.V broadcasting, radio and cultural events.
With the development in technology and communication, there is a need for more access and transparency in order to reach out and gain support as well as inform the wider public. This in no way a means of replacing traditional diplomatic practices but as it is mentioned above; it is a means of informing the wider public in order to gain their support on certain issues and matters.
A recent example of public diplomacy is the launch of the channel At Turkiyya by the Turkish government in Arabic in order to unite the Arab and Turkish world as well as break down barriers between them emphasising that this is not propaganda. The previous broadcast that was in Turkey was ‘lost in translation’ which therefore created a misunderstanding, therefore the establishment of At Turkiyyah will enable them to get rid of intermediaries and explain the culture, art and geography as it is in the Arab world. This is in no way replacing traditional diplomacy, but is a good example of what pubic diplomacy aims to achieve and that is to inform the wider foreign audience regarding the sovereign state.
Quantra. (2010) available at: http://www.qantara.de/webcom/show_article.php/_c-476/_nr-1319/i.html (accessed on 23/04/2010)
Yes, but which way do think Turkey should go,with? the middle east or the west and EU which are not accepting but using it for their own gains .Look at the case OF Turkey wanting to join the EU..Playing the two cards will tear it a part.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion Turkey is not playing with two cards. Turkey is going with the west. At the same time it is trying to be in good relation with middle east and Europe through diplomacy and negotiations. But I agree with your opinion Moc that playing with the two cards will tear it apart.
ReplyDeleteI would agree with Orhanito, Turkey are most definitely going with the west, they have a good relationship with the skeptic west. On the other hand keeping relations good with the middle east is very important.
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