What does public diplomacy aim to achieve?

Public diplomacy focuses on engaging and building relationships with foreign populations, rather than solely dealing with the official structures of governments. Its primary goal is to foster mutual understanding and enhance the image of one's own country, which can ultimately lead to a more favorable environment for diplomatic relations and cooperation.

This is achieved through various methods, such as cultural exchanges, educational programs, and public engagement efforts that promote a country’s values and policies directly to foreign citizens. Unlike military pressure, trade agreements, or intelligence operations—which are more covert or coercive in their nature—public diplomacy seeks open dialogue and trust, emphasizing the importance of soft power in international relations. By prioritizing relationship-building, public diplomacy can effectively contribute to a country’s broader foreign policy goals.