Syracuse University scholars launch Journal of Public Diplomacy

Syracuse University’s Association of Public Diplomacy Scholars (APDS), based in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and the S.I Newhouse School of Public Communications, launched the first issue of Exchange: The Journal of Public Diplomacy recently.

“In print and through our website, we will provide a forum for scholars and practitioners of public diplomacy to share their research, experience and insights in order to advance the body of public diplomacy literature and analysis,” says Nick Lombardo, the publication’s editor-in-chief. “Exchange seeks to define a unique intellectual space—along side its peer publications—that can integrate purely academic papers and featured articles authored by experienced public diplomacy practitioners.”

The first issue of the journal features articles from:

• Bruce Gregory, professor at Georgetown and George Washington universities;
• William Kiehl, president and CEO of PD Worldwide and editor of the journal American Diplomacy;
• Michael Schneider, professor in the Maxwell School; and
• Andrew Kneale, cultural relations project manager with the British Council.

The publication also includes academic papers written by:

• Dennis Kinsey, professor at the Newhouse School, with Olga Zatepilina professor at Appalachian State University;
• Caitlin Byrne, professor at Bond University in Australia;
• Jana Peterkova, professor at the University of Economics in Prague; and
• Efe Sevin, doctoral candidate at American University’s School of International Service.

“This journal is one of the only publications out there devoted exclusively to public diplomacy, both as it’s practiced in the field and how we explore it as scholars,” says Kinsey, who is also co-director of the public diplomacy program at SU.

“With this inaugural issue our editorial board wanted to welcome discussion of a broad spectrum of topics,” says Lombardo. “We’ve published articles on topics ranging from the effect of visual images on perceptions of the U.S. abroad, to the implications of new media being used in the field, to nation branding. In future issues of the journal we want to narrow our focus, and we are actively listening to the reaction of our readers to develop themes that they would find most interesting. It is our sincere hope that Exchange will serve as a compelling outlet and a credible resource as the host of an ongoing conversation in the advancement of public diplomacy.”

The Association of Public Diplomacy Scholars is a graduate student-run organization in the field of public diplomacy. The organization aims to promote the field of public diplomacy through hosting an annual symposium, publishing an annual journal, and through other events for personal and professional development. Students seek to establish an area for dialogue and engagement with practitioners in public diplomacy and related fields.

SU offers a dual master’s degree program in public diplomacy. Through the program, students earn an M.S. in public relations from the Newhouse School and an M.A. in international relations from the Maxwell School. As part of their academic and professional preparation, students complete challenging internships and policy-oriented seminars in Washington, D.C.

For more information about Exchange, contact Lombardo at (585) 705-6724 or nrlombar@syr.edu.