Lobbying and diplomacy are activities aimed at representing certain interests in front of the decision-makers and the public of a political system; at informing policy-makers and the public about certain policies, specific viewpoints, etc. ; at communicating these issues via formal and informal channels ; at influencing the formulation and implementation of policies ; and at building relationships . Moreover, both rest on persuasion , as diplomats and lobbyists have to convince their counterparts of the importance of their perspective, information and interests.

Author, Richard WERLY , Associate Fellow of the DiploFoundation (Geneva)

Context and Objectives

Economic Public Diplomacy

Source : Eurostat

Euro Millions

Exports to China

Typical Activities

Author: Pierre-Emmanuel Thomann. Paris, October 15, 2017.

Original Text has been edited 

Russia and the European Union is not only a geopolitical necessity, but also a natural process because of their geographical proximity. Throughout history, European nations, including Russia, constantly experienced overlapping or contradictory interests. They therefore require constant dialogue to maintain stability and balance of power on the European continent.

Key Actors in China

Political Elites

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• International Liaison Department of the CCP
• United Front Work Department of the CCP and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council
• Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM)
• State-owned enterprises (SOEs) and private companies

Media and Public Opinion

A global strategy for Public Diplomacy is unlikely, because every region has its specifics and one needs to adapt to a certain degree to the region with which one is dealing, otherwise the information one attempts to get across will not reach the desired effects. The lack of customized and two-way communication often results in failure to establish some kind of dialogue. Nevertheless, it is important to give embassies some kind of guidelines or framework. This will not undermine their demanded ambition to adapt their strategy for regional purposes.

Published by UK-based strategic communications consultancy firm Portland and the University of Southern California Center on Public Diplomacy.

Countries with the most soft power in the world.