PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
What is public diplomacy?
Public diplomacy is official U.S. diplomacy carried out at the grassroots level. Also known as citizen diplomacy or “people-to-people” diplomacy, public diplomacy involves outreach and engagement between Americans and citizens of other countries that fosters mutual understanding and goodwill. Public diplomacy takes place through exchange programs like the Fulbright, art exhibitions, music tours, or local initiatives that bring people together for dialogue and cultural exchange. The goal is to break down barriers, build relationships, and open avenues for cooperation on shared challenges.
The World Affairs Council of Maine has its roots in public diplomacy, reaching back to efforts by Peaks Island residents to bring UN correspondents and their families to Maine in the 1960s. Dubbed “Downeast Diplomacy” by Governor Curtis, these exchanges continued into the 1970s and in 1988, we became the only organization in the state authorized to host the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). Over the years, we have welcomed hundreds of emerging global leaders to Maine.