USC Center on Public Diplomacy: Advancing Global Communication and Soft Power

USC Center on Public Diplomacy: Advancing Global Communication and Soft Power

In an era of global interconnectedness, the ability of a nation to communicate its values and build relationships is paramount. The USC Center on Public Diplomacy serves as a premier hub for the study and practice of this art, blending academic rigor with practical training to shape how nations engage with the world.

Institutional Foundation and Collaboration

The Center is a collaborative academic venture established by two prestigious entities within the University of Southern California: the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences' School of International Relations. By bridging the gap between communication studies and international relations, the Center provides a comprehensive approach to research, teaching, and professional training.

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Recognitions and Professional Affiliations

The impact of the Center's work has been recognized at the highest levels of government. In 2008, the University of Southern California was honored with the inaugural Benjamin Franklin Award for Public Diplomacy. This prestigious award, granted by the U.S. State Department, acknowledged the university's exceptional contributions to the teaching, training, and research of public diplomacy.

Furthermore, the Center maintains a strong professional network as a full member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA). This organization comprises leading schools specializing in public policy, public administration, and international studies, ensuring the Center remains aligned with global standards in public policy education.

Measuring Global Influence: The Soft Power 30

One of the Center's most significant contributions to the field is its work on soft power—the ability of a country to persuade others to do what it wants without force or coercion. In partnership with Portland, a consultancy firm based in the United Kingdom, the Center publishes the annual Soft Power 30 index. This index provides a data-driven analysis of how nations project influence globally.

Overview of the USC Center on Public Diplomacy
Category Details
Founding Institutions USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism & USC Dornsife School of International Relations
Major Award Benjamin Franklin Award for Public Diplomacy (2008)
Key Publication Soft Power 30 Index (with Portland)
Professional Membership Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA)

Key Facts

  • The Center is a joint effort between USC Annenberg and the USC Dornsife School of International Relations.
  • It received the first-ever Benjamin Franklin Award for Public Diplomacy from the U.S. State Department in 2008.
  • The Center co-publishes the Soft Power 30 index in collaboration with the UK-based firm Portland.
  • It is a full member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the USC Center on Public Diplomacy?

It is an academic research, teaching, and training center at the University of Southern California, created through a partnership between the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and the USC Dornsife School of International Relations.

What is the Soft Power 30 index?

The Soft Power 30 is an annual index published by the USC Center on Public Diplomacy and the UK-based consultancy firm Portland to measure and rank the soft power of various nations.

What award has the Center helped the university achieve?

In 2008, the university received the inaugural Benjamin Franklin Award for Public Diplomacy from the U.S. State Department for its excellence in research, training, and teaching.

Which professional organization is the Center affiliated with?

The Center is a full member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA), which includes schools focused on international studies, public administration, and public policy.