Section 501 of the U.S. Information and Educational Exchange Act of1948 (Smith-Mundt Act) prohibits domestic dissemination ofinformation designed for foreign consumption, ostensibly to ban"domestic propaganda." In the war on terrorism, this amounts toself-sabotage. Until Congress relegates this piece of legislationto the dustbin of history, the U.S. cannot expect to conduct publicdiplomacy effectively.
To reverse America's declining image abroad, both public diplomacyand related international broadcasting agencies need a clear chainof command as well as adequate personnel and financial resources.
To reverse America's declining image abroad, both public diplomacyand related international broadcasting agencies need a clear chainof command as well as adequate personnel and financial resources.