Public and cultural diplomacy have become instrumental in foreign relations and is considered as the most influential tools in shaping foreign policies. Do the functional elements work? Does it have checks and balances? These two questions wallowed through my mind when I watched a documentary on 05th of March 2011 on CNN regarding a US delegation to North Korea (Six Days in Korea).
Governor Bill Richardson orchestrated a very diplomatic engagement with the Koreans, telling them to use more diplomatic engagement, less military options and more statesman approach. Bill Richardson tried to sell to the Koreans a positive image of the US indicating that: the US and its people didn’t want war but a healthy relationship safeguarding peace amongst the two clashing fronts (North and South Korea) after the North attacked a South Korean island (Yeonpyeyong). The North Korean high ranking military officials indicated after the shameful act: ‘We want the world to know that we are not provokers, we will respond if this goes on’.
Bill Richardson on a cold morning meeting presented to the ‘Dear Leader’ through the Vice Minister of North Korea a gift consisting of five movies from New Mexico, because of the Dear Leader’s love for ‘American movies’, to let the North Koreans know that America and South Korea wants a peaceful co-existence.
The Koreans deliberately turned the US approach around and moved swiftly to show the American delegation North Korea’s power and might with a tour through town and the subway system. North Korea’s vice president further invited Wolf Blitzer for a proper visit to Pyongyang whenever he wants to come back for a proper visit. The Koreans elaborated that, it was the Americans who invaded them and therefore refusing to recognize that North Korea is a peace loving nation. The Koreans even made it possible for the reporters to tweet, Skype and email, a luxury not available in North Korea.
So why did Governor Richardson take on tour with him, Gay Dillingham, Energy Advisor? Perhaps, his move was to assure the Koreans of American expertise on energy as North Korean homes has consistently been tormented by severe cold weather in a nation where many homes do not have proper heating in contrast to official buildings which are provided with good heating.
Wolf Blitzer in his final conclusion indicated: ‘We have been notified by Korean officials that, North Korean Officials and the ‘Dear Leader’ absolutely love Parliament, Camel and Marlboro cigarettes and will be a dignifying gift for the next visit’. I guess, the highly in demand ‘American’ cigarettes will surely entice officials for more propaganda in exchange for US public and cultural diplomacy.
Public and Cultural diplomacy is very instrumental in political engagements. However, propaganda could trigger a non -constructive policy outline.
http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2011/02/16/exp.tsr.blitzer.nkorea.wed.mov.cnn?iref=allsearch
Governor Bill Richardson orchestrated a very diplomatic engagement with the Koreans, telling them to use more diplomatic engagement, less military options and more statesman approach. Bill Richardson tried to sell to the Koreans a positive image of the US indicating that: the US and its people didn’t want war but a healthy relationship safeguarding peace amongst the two clashing fronts (North and South Korea) after the North attacked a South Korean island (Yeonpyeyong). The North Korean high ranking military officials indicated after the shameful act: ‘We want the world to know that we are not provokers, we will respond if this goes on’.
Bill Richardson on a cold morning meeting presented to the ‘Dear Leader’ through the Vice Minister of North Korea a gift consisting of five movies from New Mexico, because of the Dear Leader’s love for ‘American movies’, to let the North Koreans know that America and South Korea wants a peaceful co-existence.
The Koreans deliberately turned the US approach around and moved swiftly to show the American delegation North Korea’s power and might with a tour through town and the subway system. North Korea’s vice president further invited Wolf Blitzer for a proper visit to Pyongyang whenever he wants to come back for a proper visit. The Koreans elaborated that, it was the Americans who invaded them and therefore refusing to recognize that North Korea is a peace loving nation. The Koreans even made it possible for the reporters to tweet, Skype and email, a luxury not available in North Korea.
So why did Governor Richardson take on tour with him, Gay Dillingham, Energy Advisor? Perhaps, his move was to assure the Koreans of American expertise on energy as North Korean homes has consistently been tormented by severe cold weather in a nation where many homes do not have proper heating in contrast to official buildings which are provided with good heating.
Wolf Blitzer in his final conclusion indicated: ‘We have been notified by Korean officials that, North Korean Officials and the ‘Dear Leader’ absolutely love Parliament, Camel and Marlboro cigarettes and will be a dignifying gift for the next visit’. I guess, the highly in demand ‘American’ cigarettes will surely entice officials for more propaganda in exchange for US public and cultural diplomacy.
Public and Cultural diplomacy is very instrumental in political engagements. However, propaganda could trigger a non -constructive policy outline.
http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2011/02/16/exp.tsr.blitzer.nkorea.wed.mov.cnn?iref=allsearch
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