The Foreign Service Journal, July-August 2011

14 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / J U LY- A U G U S T 2 0 1 1 Originally produced in 1996 by the USIA Alumni Association, it was a pro- gram aimed at making the case, in a post–ColdWar world, that the practice of public diplomacy has validity in the future. The program is divided into two parts. The first, “Telling America’s Story,” gives historical background on USIA and describes its premises and tools, distinguishing how public diplo- macy differs from traditional diplo- macy. Part II, “The Road Ahead,” documents the ways in which USIA looked to the future to define new au- diences and adapt new technologies, such as then-novel interactive TV pro- grams and Internet adaptations. The Public Diplomacy Council, which promotes understanding and support for public diplomacy, has now reissued this original material as an in- formation tool, principally for educa- tional and international affairs insti- tutions. It has bookended the original material with comments from two sen- ior PD practioners: Robert Chatten, once deputy director of the Voice of America, and Linda Jewell, who ended her Foreign Service career as ambassa- dor to Ecuador. The two do not shy away from criti- cizing what has happened to the public diplomacy function in the 12 years since USIA was absorbed by the De- partment of State. Chatten cites the enormous cuts in personnel, especially overseas, while Jewell laments the re- duced impact of PD disarmament in the last decade. “Public Diplomacy” was produced by Global Village Communications with the help of the Public Diplomacy Council. Copies for personal or class- room use can be ordered from the Council at www.publicdiplomacy council.org , where the video can also be viewed or downloaded. —Michael Canning, USIA FSO, retired C Y B E R N O T E S 50 Years Ago... M y reaction to your most stimulating and provocative edito- rial, “Daring and Dissent,” is that it is excellent as far as it goes — but unfortunately, it doesn’t go far enough. For having the daring to dissent, I was once described in a performance evaluation as “intellectually arrogant.” Again, in another instance a report on the economic excesses of a certain dictator was forwarded by an unusually fair chief of mission, under a transmittal indicating strong disapproval. It was subsequently graded Excellent. I have seen excellent dispatches and reports mercilessly slashed with an editorial pencil and even relegated to the “round file” because they were at odds with a superior’s judgment, critical of the foreign government, or because they might adversely reflect upon a superior’s handling of a policy matter or situation. Should not provision be made, or at least the convenience studied, of having posts submit dissenting reports under a covering comment and evaluation by the superior? Only thus will the policymakers here in Washington have the necessary facts and interpretations (which most frequently differ) upon which to base their decisions. — ‘J.B.’, “Daring and Dissent” (letter to the editor), FSJ, August 1961. T HE NEW EDITION OF Inside a U.S. Embassy IS NOW AVAILABLE . Visit www.afsa.org/inside for details. Looking for Additional Reading Suggestions? You can find the AFSA and State Department reading lists in our online bookstore, offering a wide selection of books on the Foreign Service. AFSA earns a royalty for every purchase you make on Amazon.com when you enter via the AFSA Bookstore. Visit www.afsa.org/ fs_reading_list.aspx