MEDIA ADVISORY May 2013 Public Diplomacy and Campaigning on the Frontlines WASHINGTON, DC: In Volume 7, Issue 3 of the journalzine, the Diplomatic Courier is delighted to publish "Campaigning on the Frontlines," by Ryan Gawn, Director, Stratagem International, Deployable Civilian Expert with the British Government's Stabilisation Unit, and one of the 2011 "99 Under 33." Offering ten practical tips, Gawn outlines successful influencing tactics and strategies applicable to many different parts of the globe. Whether you are running political campaigns, conducting polling, considering investment, seeking to improve your reputation or profile, or shift audience attitudes and behaviors in complex political environments, these tips provide businesses, governments and campaigning organizations with a core playbook to work from. MEDIA ADVISORY May 2013 Public Diplomacy and Campaigning on the Frontlines WASHINGTON, DC: In Volume 7, Issue 3 of the journalzine, the Diplomatic Courier is delighted to publish "Campaigning on the Frontlines," by Ryan Gawn, Director, Stratagem International, Deployable Civilian Expert with the British Government's Stabilisation Unit, and one of the 2011 "99 Under 33." Offering ten practical tips, Gawn outlines successful influencing tactics and strategies applicable to many different parts of the globe. Whether you are running political campaigns, conducting polling, considering investment, seeking to improve your reputation or profile, or shift audience attitudes and behaviors in complex political environments, these tips provide businesses, governments and campaigning organizations with a core playbook to work from. "Use the right channels - Radio, cartoons and songs are particularly effective with illiterate audiences. Soaps and drama can provide an entertaining format for subtle messaging and product placement; while debates (ideally with phone ins or live audiences) are useful in two-way communication, particularly in addressing political issues. BBC Media Action's Sanglap ("Dialogue") is a great example from Bangladesh. Photostories and cartoons can often convey a story well-NGOs often excel at this, especially those wishing to change behaviours (e.g. washing hands, avoiding mines and IEDs, reducing deforestation). When at all possible, use local languages, actors, voices, and images. Use local partners for this, and don't make the channel or product too polished, or it may appear foreign and strange," an excerpt from Gawn's article. Ensure that the medium complements the message-the U.S. military's helicopter leaflet drops in Afghanistan left peace-inspiring verses from the Quran strewn on the ground covered in dirt; considered blasphemous, this meant that the intended message was rendered impotent before the leaflet had even been picked up." To read more, click here. "With a series of universal recommendations gained from years of experience on the frontline, Ryan Gawn offers practical tips to those trying to campaign in less traditional places. From 'knowing your target audience' to 'know yourself and your partners,' Ryan hones in on the personal nature of politics and how to really successfully influence," says Ana. C. Rold, Editor-in-Chief, Diplomatic Courier. Other articles in this issue include:
  • Cover Story: "The Latin America Decade in Motion," by Oscar Montealegre, Contributor
  • "How the Chinese Are Helping to Transform Cuba, Again," by Paul Nash, Contributing Editor
  • "Sprinting to the Millennium Development Goals Finish Line," by Mark Leon Goldberg, Managing Editor, Global Affairs Blog UN Dispatch
  • "Why Annan Failed and Brahimi Struggles: The Challenges of Mediation in Syria," by Andrea Beck, Contributor
  • "Turkey's Future," by Soner Cagaptay, Beyer Family Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and author of "Turkey Rising: 21st Century's First Muslim Power" (Potomac Books, Forthcoming)
  • Book Feature: "The Rising Power of the Age of Transparency," by Frank Vogl, author of the book "Waging War on Corruption-Inside the Movement Fighting the Abuse of Power"
Also in this issue, the Diplomatic Courier publishes special pieces on:
  • "The Americas: A More Politically Stable and Prosperous Hemisphere," by Jose Miguel Insulza, Secretary General, Organization of American States
  • Rule of Law: Q&A with Myron Brilliant, Executive Vice President and Head of International Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
  • Interview with Dr. Gustavo Gaviria Angel, Member of the Board of Directors of the Sustainable Food Pavilion at World Expo Milano 2015, Milan Italy
  • Gallery of Moments: "Latin American Portraits," by Sebastian Rich
Save the date! The Diplomatic Courier will host the landmark Digital Diplomacy Forum on June 12, 2013 and feature Ann Tran, social media expert and one of Forbes magazine's top 20 social media women last year. Contact us to join the conversation and event! For more information on the Diplomatic Courier or to request interviews with the authors, email press@diplomaticourier.org. ### About the Author: Currently based in Islamabad, Ryan Gawn (@ryangawn) is Director of Northern Ireland based Stratagem International, a strategic political affairs consultancy which provides advice to organisations, parties, governments and individuals who wish to understand and advance their interests in complex political environments - ensuring that clients are empowered to effect real and tangible change. With specialised expertise gained working with organisations in the fields of politics, security / defence, diplomacy, development and campaigning, Stratagem International has worked with and provided communications and campaigning advice for businesses, governments, political parties, donors and non-profits. About Us: The Diplomatic Courier is the global affairs magazine that connects the diplomatic and policy establishment to the next generation of leaders in diplomacy and foreign policy. The Diplomatic Courier publishes six print issues per year, as well as weekly online content and a daily blog, On Point. Readers can preview the print editions and subscribe here. The Diplomatic Courier is an independent publication both in its voice and its organization. Publishing opinions from all political spectrums, the Courier adheres to the ideals of freedom of expression, individualism, and fair and balanced journalism.

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