Ireland and Public Diplomacy: "Still Here/Here Still"

In a world fraught with local, national, and international fissures, animosities, and violent conflict, the Republic of Ireland stands far above the fray as a stellar example of how a country's verve for the written and spoken word can undergird the conduct of its foreign policy. Simply said, Dublin's adroit use of public diplomacy is a lesson for those who are wedded to an overweening dependency on military, political, and economic prowess as the sole instruments to promote and protect national interests.

Major powers must muster the ingenuity to handle unprecedented asymmetrical challenges. To be effective they are obliged to evoke individually and collectively their own humanity. This perspective has helped Ireland leverage its diplomatic interests, albeit on a modest scale. 

Read more: http://uscpublicdiplomacy.org/blog/ireland-and-public-diplomacy-still-herehere-still

Pope Francis and President Obama: Almost Twins

MAJOR powers may interpret Pope Francis's foreign policy initiatives as either promising or problematic. As expected, the Obama Administration has been assessing the pontiff's calibrated moves in the global political arena. It appears both President Obama and the papal leader share common perspectives on several key issues, but sometimes differ on interpretation, interests, and tact. However, harmonising their strategies could pay dividends in handling contentious international matters.

The Pope's recent flourishes have rankled some leaders and congregants and pleased others. Condemning the Turks for alleged "genocide" against Armenians, brokering a US-Cuba accord, underscoring the Vatican's recognition of the State of Palestine, and beatifying Palestinian nuns are indicators of the pontiff's activism and unconventional approach to foreign policy.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/Pope-Francis-and-President-Obama--Almost-Twins_18990716

What motivates Obama? Principled pragmatism?

IN the context of Obama's global priorities, the president of the United States' visit to Jamaica and meetings with Caricom leaders at this time caught me off guard. Aside from the wisdom of US normalising relations with Cuba, I failed to mention in a paper I delivered at the University of the West Indies, Mona, in January 2014, that Caribbean-US interests would be an "opportunity" for President Obama to pursue. Rightfully, some members of the audience asked where the Caribbean would fall in United States geopolitical priorities.

The president's many concerns

Even though I had not envisaged this historic visit, it should be seen as more than a convenient opportunity for Obama, Jamaican and other Caricom leaders to share perspectives on regional issues just before the Seventh Summit of the Americas in Panama. There are other considerations.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/What-motivates-Obama--Principled-pragmatism_18728028