International Studies Public Forum (ISPF) presents

"The UK in USA: GREAT Britain’s Public Diplomacy in the United States"
with Katharine Keith-Azar, Deputy Head of Press, Policy, Public Affairs | British Consulate-General, Los Angeles

April 25, 2013
5:00-6:30 p.m.
Social Science Plaza A, Room 1100

Public diplomacy can be defined as the means by which a country communicates with foreign publics with the aim to inform and influence audiences overseas for the purpose of promoting its national interest and advancing its foreign policy goals. Public diplomacy is an integral part of the UK Government’s activities. Whether it’s a Royal Visit, the 2012 Olympic Games or a highly visual social media campaign, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) engages foreign audiences through various means in order to promote Britain as GREAT place to visit, study and invest. Digital diplomacy, in particular, has shaped the way the FCO does business. What started as a communications tool is now playing a more important role in achieving key foreign policy outcomes. The FCO has integrated its digital strategy across every element of its work, leading to a more effective, more open organization. Social media, such as Twitter and Facebook, has impacted every part of the FCO’s foreign policy formulation - from predicting developments, to formulating and implementing policy, to influencing and identifying people to influence. Keith-Azar will discuss her career with the British Consulate-General, Los Angeles including how she uses global events (such as the Olympics and the Royal Visit of the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge) and public diplomacy tools (like the GREAT campaign and social media) to reinforce the special relationship between the UK and the U.S.

For further information, please contact Sandy Cushman, scushman@uci.edu or 949-824-3344.