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1 Public Diplomacy in the Soviet Union and the Republics [1] (1991)

handle is hein.forrel/pcdyitst0001 and id is 1 raw text is: DIPLOMWAtY PUBLIC DIPLOMACY IN THE SOVIET UNION AND THE REPUBLICS m Recent events In the Soviet Union create unprecedented opportunities to encourage peaceful change and democratic reform. An expanded American presence in the republics should be one of the nation's top priorities. * America's best small investment, high yield approach to the Soviet Union and the republics today is public diplomacy:, educa- tional exchanges, information and cultural programs, and international television and radio broadcasting. a The Advisory Commission recommends new program priorities, Consolidation of cer- tain assets, and immediate redirection of $50 million of international affairs funds to activities that support free market economi .es, rule of Jaw, independent media, free trade unions, and other foundations of democracy. I' he collapse of communism and the Soviet empire is the salient strategic event of our time. Power is shifting from the center to the republics. Democratic and free market reformers occupy leadership positions. Sweeping changes, with enormous implications and uncertain outcomes, have rendered old policies and paradigms obsolete. Vital American interests are at stake, with opportunities comparable to those in Germany and Japan after World War 1I. If democratic reform efforts fail, the long-term cost to the United States and the cause of freedom will be enormous. If they succeed, Americans can look forward to increased security, a reduced defense burden, and expanded trade. A Publfic Diplomtacy Strategy The Commission believes people-to- people exchanges, information and training programs, radio and television broadcasting - core elements of American public diplo- macy for decades - are the most sensible, cost-effective ways to promote peaceful change and democracy in a newly pluralistic Soviet Union. There are imnits to what outsiders can do to affect change, and in the end reforms can only be accomplished by the reformers themselves. But intense interest exists throughout the republics in market-based economic models and democratic institutions. Public diplomacy is the ideal vehicle by which to multiply contacts quickly with republic and local leaders, and become visibly engaged in ways that benefit both U.S. interests and the process of democratic reform. Reassessing priorities. During the Cold War, the U.S. emphasized shortwave broad- casting and large exhibits in the Soviet Union because most other means of communication were limited or denied. Today, there are opportunities to pursue a full range of public diplomacy programs, and we must adjust our priorities accordingly. International visitors, television place- ment, English teacher training, academic exchanges, book translations, the Wireless File, media training, libraries, small exhibits, cultural centers, speakers, expansion of VGA's local radio placement affiliates, and many other activities are now possible. We do

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