| Description |
The theory of soft power, as described by Joseph Nye (1990), is evaluated, along with the theory behind public and cultural diplomacy as a means of engaging foreign publics in order to promote international rules in line with the practicing country's own goals and values. The tenets and implements of public and cultural diplomacy initiatives and the factors that make these programs and exchanges so uniquely successful are explored, and the history and current state of American public and cultural diplomacy is examined. U.S. - Cuban diplomatic history is summarized, alongside the historical practice of public diplomacy betweeen the two countries. The December 17 diplomatic rapprochement announcement and the public diplomacy efforts that occurred before and immediately following are critically analyzed. Finally, the future of American public diplomacy programs in Cuba is considered under the Donald J. Trump administration, and its further practice as a vital tool for American national security and foreign relations with Cuba is advocated. |
