Danger Will Robinson! White House creates the Global Engagement Directive (updated: it's "Directorate")

"Among the other shifts at the [National Security Council], a new entity, dubbed the Global Engagement Directive, will aim to coordinate public diplomacy, foreign assistance and international communications at a single White House desk." Wall Street Journal, 27 May 2009.
     I don't know if US international broadcasting will be among the activities "coordinated" by this new office, but "international communications" suggests this might be the case. It dovetails with the rumors that the Obama Administration has not nominated new members for the Broadcasting Board of Governors because it plans to eliminate the BBG.
     The best thing the BBG can do now is to place large pieces of furniture in front of the door. When staff of the Global Engagement Directive come to visit, be very quiet until they leave.
     Otherwise, eventually, someone in a goatskin tent in the desert will be listening to the news on VOA. He will say to his companion: "It sounds like someone has coordinated this newscast. Please retune the radio set to the BBC."
     Update: "I particularly like the choice of 'global engagement' as the blanket term, thus avoiding the logjam between advocates of 'public diplomacy' and of 'strategic communications.'" Marc Lynch, Foreign Policy blog, 29 May 2009. Commenters to Marc's post point out that the actual name of the new entity is Global Engagement Directorate.
     "Creating a new Global Engagement Directorate to drive comprehensive engagement policies that leverage diplomacy, communications, international development and assistance, and domestic engagement and outreach in pursuit of a host of national security objectives, including those related to homeland security." President Obama, White House, 26 May 2009.
     "But the WH announcement re the 'Global Engagement Directive' makes no mention of 'public diplomacy.'" John Brown to Marc, op cit. See also John Brown's Public Diplomacy Press and Blog Review, 27 May 2009, and links thereto. Posted: 30 May 2009 Permalink Print