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Public Diplomacy

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Diplomacy
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Abstract

Propaganda is the manipulation of public attitudes 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, but the latter concealing, its source. ‘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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© 2015 G. R. Berridge

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Berridge, G.R. (2015). Public Diplomacy. In: Diplomacy. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137445520_14

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