Karl Ho
Data Generation datageneration.io
Public Diplomacy Deferred: American Cultural Centers and Confucius
Institutes in an Era of Strategic Competition
Daniel C. Bottomley
University of Delaware
Prepared for discussion at the MPSA Annual Meeting, April 4th, 2024.
Discussion:
Discussant:
Karl Ho
University of Texas at Dallas
Summary
This paper is nuanced examination of the dynamics of public diplomacy within the context of the evolving strategic competition between the United States and the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
This analysis is grounded in the closure of American Cultural Centers (ACCs) in China and Confucius Institutes (CIs) in the United States, interpreting these actions as significant indicators of the antagonistic orientations in both nations’ national defense and security strategies.
These closures are emblematic of a broader shift from an era of cooperation in the early 21st century to one of growing antagonism between the two superpowers. The author uses these developments to delve into the implications for public diplomacy, which is traditionally aimed at influencing foreign publics towards objectives aligning with a nation-state's strategic goals.
Summary
Suggestions
-
Table or timeline of closures
- This will give a very interesting illustration of the big pictures how the tit-for -tat plays out.
- Data
- Diplomatic archives
- Educational and cultural exchange program records
- Public statements by official agencies.
- Analysis of media coverage in both countries.
- Constructing Measurement or Operationalizing Public Diplomacy: Define clear variables representing public diplomacy efforts, such as the number of cultural institutes, the scope of their programs, public engagement metrics, and the tone and content of diplomatic communications.
Suggestions
- Building Hypothesis:
Hypotheses could focus on the relationship between the scale/intensity of public diplomacy efforts and shifts in public perception within host countries, or the impact of strategic competition on the nature and effectiveness of public diplomacy.
- Estimating a Model of Public Diplomacy
Employ quantitative or qualitative methods to assess the impact of public diplomacy initiatives on public opinion or diplomatic relations. Models will help explain efficacy of public diplomacy and why alternatives (e.g. Beijing American Center) continues to perform public diplomacy function. They can also help identify potential confounders and enable further understanding of the complex interplay of soft and hard power strategies.
Notes
Public diplomacy holds the potential not only to mirror but also to shape the trajectory of US-China relations. While the current era is marked by strategic competition, public diplomacy initiatives can serve as a bellwether and tool for navigating this competition.
By adapting strategies that account for the evolving geopolitical landscape, both nations can leverage public diplomacy to foster a more nuanced understanding and engagement, potentially mitigating tensions and opening avenues for cooperation amidst competition.
In conclusion, this paper highlights the strategic significance of public diplomacy in the context of US-China relations, suggesting that while the tactical use of cultural and educational exchanges has faced setbacks, the underlying principles of public diplomacy remain pivotal in shaping international relations.
Notes
Further empirical work is encouraged to explore innovative strategies that can navigate the complexities of contemporary strategic competition, aiming to harness public diplomacy as a means to foster mutual understanding and respect between the United States and China. It will contribute to the literature of public diplomacy, US-China relations and US foreign policy much shaped by US-China relations.
Discussion: MPSA 2024 Daniel C. Bottomley: Public Diplomacy Deferred: American Cultural Centers and Confucius Institutes in an Era of Strategic Competition
By Karl Ho
Discussion: MPSA 2024 Daniel C. Bottomley: Public Diplomacy Deferred: American Cultural Centers and Confucius Institutes in an Era of Strategic Competition
CGOTS 2021
- 248
