What Are They Doing on U.S. College Campus? Charting and Comparing East Asian Nations’ Public Diplomacy on a U.S. College Campus

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session II
  In Paper Session: Intercultural Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

This research examines public diplomacy activities by East Asian nations on a U.S. college campus. Results showed that there are significant variations in forms of activities, actors involved, and publicity they received. Events on behalf of China are largely in a one-way dissemination mode, using cultural promotion and language teaching as two major strategies. Japan’s activities are aimed at strengthening Japan-U.S. ally relationship, promoting exchanges between civilians, and promoting Japanese culture to young Americans. South Korea’s public diplomacy combines isolated events and sophisticated on-campus campaigns. Its goals include cultivating political relations with the United States and promoting Korean culture. Taiwan’s activities are aimed at promoting its achievements, such as films and the IT industry, as well as projecting its unique identity. This research lays partial groundwork for theory building and effect analysis of grassroots public diplomacy.

Author

• Juyan Zhang, U of Texas - San Antonio