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Diplomacy pp 179–191Cite as

Palgrave Macmillan

Public Diplomacy

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Abstract

Propaganda is the manipulation of public opinion through the mass media for political ends. It might be more or less honest, more or less subtle, and sometimes directed more at achieving long-term, rather than short-term, changes in opinion. Its target might be foreign public opinion, domestic public opinion, or both. Makers of propaganda have traditionally distinguished between white propaganda and black propaganda — the former admitting its source, while the latter does not. ‘Public diplomacy’ is the modern name for white propaganda directed chiefly at foreign publics. Why has it acquired this new name? Why are the activities it embraces now so popular? What contribution is made to them by foreign ministries and diplomats posted abroad?

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Further reading

  • Arndt, Richard T., The First Resort of Kings: American cultural diplomacy in the twentieth century (Potomac Books: Washington, DC, 2005).

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© 2010 G. R. Berridge

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Berridge, G.R. (2010). Public Diplomacy. In: Diplomacy. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230379275_12

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