An "East Asian" Public Diplomacy? Lessons from Japan, South Korea, and China

Abstract:Developed in American and European contexts, public diplomacy theory has found its most receptive audiences in East Asia, expressed in heavy governmental investment in educational and cultural programs meant to foster acceptance and influence within the global community. Examining the state of public diplomacy in Japan, Korea, and China, countries with a strong developmental legacy, globalizing economies, and growing media presence, I analyze the integration of public diplomacy in each country's diplomatic efforts, the image they want to project to the world, and the institutional change this move has instigated. While public diplomacy has been taking a central position in this region, the East Asian model of public diplomacy features a mixture of state-led initiatives, an increasing investment of resources, and substantial government intervention.