Wednesday, March 23, 2011

The New Arab World Requires New Public Diplomacy

Egyptian protesters on the street. Source: The Huffington Post

Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
I tend to agree with the observation that it might be worthwhile to reorient the focus of PD efforts towards service (measurabl­e objectives­?) rather than pure 'branding.­' While branding might be important at certain times for visibility and recall, the "age of conversati­ons" actually offers meaningful opportunit­ies to "talk about actions" as well. In a political and economic culture driven by conversati­ons and informatio­n, PD should reorient itself towards facilitati­ng such conversati­ons and informatio­n that strengthen such actions, rather than just 'advertisi­ng.' However, I tend to disagree with Philip on the use of social media and I think it can be a powerful medium on a case to case basis. In some countries, social media is more democratis­ing and empowering (sometimes­) than any other medium. The world wide web in class ridden (even if politicall­y democratic­) and in closed societies, is empowering and equalizing simply because it makes information accessible to who ever is looking for it. Some BRIC countries are managing social media in a way that would help create more equitable societies.                                                                         
From a service point of view, PD cannot ignore social media.   
Suggestions/Critiques welcome.
-- Madhur

1 comments:

  1. Tom HensMay 19, 2011 12:56 AM

    The revolution from Egipt was an explosion of the community, against Mubarak politics. I think they had all the rights to raise against them and strike the politic alliances. Due this fact, now the people from Egipt are free and no longer under Mubarak rules.

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