Public Diplomacy as a Tool of US Soft Power in the Middle East
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31558/2519-2949.2021.3.17Keywords:
Public diplomacy; soft power; the United States; the USA; the Middle East; the Middle East; foreign policyAbstract
The article examines the historical development of US public diplomacy in the Middle East, which can be divided into three periods: until 1946 (the emergence of the motives of American public diplomacy in the Middle East); 1946 – 2000 (active development of US public diplomacy in the Middle East and the first results); since 2001 (a new strategy of US public diplomacy in the Middle). The main tasks and goals of American public diplomacy in the Middle East are highlighted. It has been established that the promotion of national interests and strengthening national security by informing and influencing the Arab public remains a constant goal in the region, and the tasks are to democratize governments in the region and influence young people.
The study identified the main problems hindering the successful implementation of American public diplomacy in the Middle East – public distrust of the Middle East in US foreign policy, lack of cultural neutrality, differences in public communication styles, maladaptation, disregard for Islam as dominant religion, "overloaded" with information. It is determined that after Trump’s presidency US public diplomacy in the Middle East will need a strategic rethinking for its further successful implementation. Although the Trump administration announced a Middle East peace plan in 2020, speculation began to emerge that the COVID-19 pandemic would lead to further shocks in the volatile region. In the long run, US public diplomacy in the Middle East under the Biden administration will focus on its regional stability, which in turn is a major interest of the United States in the region. It is established that the future prospects of modern US public diplomacy in the Middle East will largely depend on cultural awareness, recognition of Islam as the main religion, changing the role of women in Middle Eastern society, rethinking the strategy of public diplomacy and its reform by the new government.
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