The Future of U.S. Public Diplomacy

A panel has offered proposals to reorganize U.S. information, cultural, and broadcasting operations in the field of public diplomacy. One of the panel's proposals to reassign to the State Department the United States Information Agency's (USIA) role in articulating and advocating foreign policy overseas would improve present operations. However, USIA should retain its policy information role. Two other proposals require further study: transfer to the State Department of the USIA's function of advising policymakers on the policy implications of foreign public opinion; and establishment of a new Information and Cultural Affairs Agency. Proposals contemplating a major reorganization of U.S. public diplomacy seem more likely to hinder than to advance the efficiency and effectiveness of public diplomacy. A 1976 report recommended changes designed to improve the economy and efficiency of international radio broadcasting. Many of these changes have been implemented; for example: (1) a single corporation has been established which has facilitated integration of administrative services for Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty; (2) the Agencies are installing a single salary and benefit system for their employees; (3) new program schedules have been established; and (4) separate newsrooms have been combined. U.S. educational and cultural exchange programs serve an important national interest, but are susceptible to improvements. Reviews are being undertaken in this area.