Modern public diplomacy of Germany in the USA

Abstract

In the context of globalization, not only traditional, but also new ways and methods are required for the successful solution of foreign policy tasks. Modern Germany was no exception. Deprived of the resources of hard power for historical reasons, the state was particularly interested in introducing new tools for gaining influence in the international arena through public diplomacy. The purpose of the study is to identify the features of German public diplomacy and its capabilities in the implementation of foreign policy tasks in the United States. Firstly, the features of the German approach to public diplomacy are indicated. It is noted that the positive image of Germany is formed by the practical activities of a wide network of public diplomacy organizations that take into account the general strategies of the competent federal departments and, in particular, the German Federal Foreign Office. Secondly, the activities of the institutions of public diplomacy of Germany in the United States are analyzed. The main directions for bilateral cooperation are distinguished, namely culture, science and education, transatlantic values and economic cooperation. Thirdly, the question of their influence on the formation of a positive perception of the American population is raised. Their competitive advantages are provided by consistent, coordinated and open approaches. At the same time, the development of digital diplomacy in Germany is reduced to the creation of a large number of accounts for the representation of public diplomacy organizations in the United States without the active engagement of the population. The author concludes that at the present stage, the instruments of German public diplomacy in the United States are successful and have a positive impact on the perception of the state among the American population. However, with a radical change in the role of a junior partner in the international arena, the perception of Germany among Americans may worsen.