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Overview
The United States is not effectively responding to the growing anti-Americanism that is taking root around the world. To address this concern, the Council on Foreign Relations has updated its Independent Task Force report on public diplomacy. In the wake of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and the breakdown of diplomacy on all sides, international public opinion of the United States and U.S. policy continues to fall. This Task Force report elucidates some potential dangers stemming from this problem: immediate security risks from those who hate America most, a softening of international cooperation on the war on terror, and a long-term constriction of U.S. movements on the world stage. As the world becomes more open and democratic, individuals and small groups have more power both to act on their own and to influence their governments.To help remedy this growing threat, the Task Force strongly recommends a renewed national commitment to vigorous public diplomacy. The U.S. response must be urgent, substantial, and sustained. The Task Force's first recommendation is for a greater integration of public diplomacy into the foreign policymaking process. Subsequent recommendations focus on improved global communications about U.S. policies, culture, and values, and better coordination between the White House and the myriad government agencies and departments representing the United States abroad. This report includes the Task Force's findings and recommendations as well as recent data on world opinion. The Task Force includes former senior government officials; industry leaders from the fields of television, public relations, and strategic communications; and Middle East area experts.