In this episode Nick and Simon respond to a listener's question about the impact of a potential collapse of the Northern Ireland peace agreement on the image of the UK. After discussing this question, the conversation broadens to include the difference between issues of elite relevance and issues of importance to 'ordinary people'. Simon and Nick discuss the benefits of collaboration and the difficulties in dramatizing issues of broad international relevance like the UN's Sustainable Development Goals to a global audience.

In this episode Nick and Simon respond to a listener's question about the impact of a potential collapse of the Northern Ireland peace agreement on the image of the UK. After discussing this question, the conversation broadens to include the difference between issues of elite relevance and issues of importance to 'ordinary people'. Simon and Nick discuss the benefits of collaboration and the difficulties in dramatizing issues of broad international relevance like the UN's Sustainable Development Goals to a global audience.

Episode 35: Northern Ireland peace and the challenge of 'relevance'

This episode revisits a key concept in the study of international image: the ‘country-of-origin effect’ by which countries can enhance the value of products made there and vice versa.  Simon notes that an estimated 1/3 of all value in the world is locked in brand value and the desire of some developing countries to develop international brands.  He recalls the successful case of Dilmah tea as a Sri Lankan brand. Nick recalls the success of Germany in repositioning its Country-of-Origin narrative from inexpensive manufactured goods in the late 19th century to its high-quality well-designed products in the early 20th century and since – a trajectory followed by Japan and now by China.  They discuss brands which imply a false origin and recent attempts to protect an image as when Jamaica objected to Adidas using its national colors on shoes.  

This episode revisits a key concept in the study of international image: the ‘country-of-origin effect’ by which countries can enhance the value of products made there and vice versa. Simon notes that an estimated 1/3 of all value in the world is locked in brand value and the desire of some developing countries to develop international brands. He recalls the successful case of Dilmah tea as a Sri Lankan brand. Nick recalls the success of Germany in repositioning its Country-of-Origin narrative from inexpensive manufactured goods in the late 19th century to its high-quality well-designed products in the early 20th century and since – a trajectory followed by Japan and now by China. They discuss brands which imply a false origin and recent attempts to protect an image as when Jamaica objected to Adidas using its national colors on shoes.

Episode 34: The Power of “From”: The Country-of-Origin Effect

Inspired by media reports of the Turkish government attempting to assert the Turkish spelling of their name, this episode considers strategies of naming/renaming/spelling. Turkey’s move is discussed in the context of its history. Simon suggests four categories of renaming: the post-colonial shift to a more authentic local name as with Swaziland/Eswatini or Madras/Chennai; the attempt to be more memorable because one’s name is insufficiently distinct as when Slovenia considered Alpe-Adria; the power-play as when a regime rebrands key places (as with Astana/Nursultan) and the names of historical revival such as Israel. Nick argues that part of Czecholosvakia’s problem in the mid-20th century was the lack of resonance around its name. Simon notices that some languages have changed names while others keep older names longer. Italians still call Beijing ‘Pechino’ (the equivalent of ‘Peking’). Simon recalls the process by which Pakistan invented its name. Nick muses on whether some countries actually need a name change. Simon raises the issue of countries with multiple names (including the UK) and counties retaining a definite article in their name.

Inspired by media reports of the Turkish government attempting to assert the Turkish spelling of their name, this episode considers strategies of naming/renaming/spelling. Turkey’s move is discussed in the context of its history. Simon suggests four categories of renaming: the post-colonial shift to a more authentic local name as with Swaziland/Eswatini or Madras/Chennai; the attempt to be more memorable because one’s name is insufficiently distinct as when Slovenia considered Alpe-Adria; the power-play as when a regime rebrands key places (as with Astana/Nursultan) and the names of historical revival such as Israel. Nick argues that part of Czecholosvakia’s problem in the mid-20th century was the lack of resonance around its name. Simon notices that some languages have changed names while others keep older names longer. Italians still call Beijing ‘Pechino’ (the equivalent of ‘Peking’). Simon recalls the process by which Pakistan invented its name. Nick muses on whether some countries actually need a name change. Simon raises the issue of countries with multiple names (including the UK) and counties retaining a definite article in their name.

Episode 33: What’s in a Name? Renaming places as a Strategic Gambit

This episode takes an overall view of COVID 19 and its impact on reputation. Simon points out that the damage to reputations was only slight as most people really aren’t interested in the internal affairs of other places. Image seems to be following expectations. People assume that Sweden managed the pandemic well even though they didn’t. The later discussion highlights the importance of real global collaboration and the problems of misinformation/disinformation evident during the pandemic. Nick notes the problem of opinions which should have been lightly held becoming full components of political/tribal identity. Simon notes the problem of politicians learning that lying to the public has few consequences. They agree that flaws in media became highly visible. Simon expresses the hope that the negative example of collective responses to the pandemic might guide a better response to climate change. The discussion closes with a plea for more critical thinking.

This episode takes an overall view of COVID 19 and its impact on reputation. Simon points out that the damage to reputations was only slight as most people really aren’t interested in the internal affairs of other places. Image seems to be following expectations. People assume that Sweden managed the pandemic well even though they didn’t. The later discussion highlights the importance of real global collaboration and the problems of misinformation/disinformation evident during the pandemic. Nick notes the problem of opinions which should have been lightly held becoming full components of political/tribal identity. Simon notes the problem of politicians learning that lying to the public has few consequences. They agree that flaws in media became highly visible. Simon expresses the hope that the negative example of collective responses to the pandemic might guide a better response to climate change. The discussion closes with a plea for more critical thinking.

Episode 32: Reckoning with the Pandemic: COVID 19, image, media and communication

In this episode Nick and Simon think about the reputation of transnational ideas and organizations, starting with religions. Nick recalls regimes which have actively asserted a religious affiliation. Simon notes that today most western countries seek to distance themselves from a religious identity and embrace an image of tolerance. Cases discussed include Saudi Arabia, Poland, and the historical strategies of the Vatican. Shifting to other transnational groupings, Simon notes that indigenous communities and small island nations around the world have begun to connect transnationally to collective benefit. Nick notes the absence of the usual zero-sum game in the collective work on indigenous communities. Other cases discussed include pan-African politics and people with disabilities. The conversation cycles back to religion and discussion of the benefit of religions collaborating to rethink the image of faith as a broad category in the 21st century. The podcast closes with a discussion of extremism as a universal problem and challenge of attempting moderation/modernization.

In this episode Nick and Simon think about the reputation of transnational ideas and organizations, starting with religions. Nick recalls regimes which have actively asserted a religious affiliation. Simon notes that today most western countries seek to distance themselves from a religious identity and embrace an image of tolerance. Cases discussed include Saudi Arabia, Poland, and the historical strategies of the Vatican. Shifting to other transnational groupings, Simon notes that indigenous communities and small island nations around the world have begun to connect transnationally to collective benefit. Nick notes the absence of the usual zero-sum game in the collective work on indigenous communities. Other cases discussed include pan-African politics and people with disabilities. The conversation cycles back to religion and discussion of the benefit of religions collaborating to rethink the image of faith as a broad category in the 21st century. The podcast closes with a discussion of extremism as a universal problem and challenge of attempting moderation/modernization.

Episode 31: Honest to God: The image of Religions and other Transnational Groups

This episode considers the results of the Nation Brands Index for 2021. Issues include the limited post-Trump recovery of the US image, the declining image of Britain and improving image of Canada. Simon discussed the arrival of Iceland in the index and continued rise South Korea. This year's NBI research included questions about priority issues. Simon notes that poverty was the most serious issue for audiences in the Americas and Africa, while the Asia/Pacific prioritized climate. Other stories include Israel, Palestine, UAE and the striking public 'forgiveness' of China for mishandling COVID.

This episode considers the results of the Nation Brands Index for 2021. Issues include the limited post-Trump recovery of the US image, the declining image of Britain and improving image of Canada. Simon discussed the arrival of Iceland in the index and continued rise South Korea. This year's NBI research included questions about priority issues. Simon notes that poverty was the most serious issue for audiences in the Americas and Africa, while the Asia/Pacific prioritized climate. Other stories include Israel, Palestine, UAE and the striking public 'forgiveness' of China for mishandling COVID.

Episode 30: Issues in the Index: The Nation Brands Index 2021

In the episode Simon introduces the fifth iteration of the Good Country Index (index.goodcountry.org/) now published in partnership with Diplomatic Courier. He explains the nature of the index as an aggregation of contributions to the global good. Nick pulls out particular countries for scrutiny including the USA at #46. They agree that the top of the table (with Sweden once again in first place ahead of Denmark and Germany) shows the collaborative nature of European countries. Other countries examined include Russia -- continuing a decline -- and China and the stark contrast between UAE at 65th and Qatar at 109th with an especially poor score in cultural contributions (136th). Countries performing well include Cyprus at 16th and South Africa at 44. The conversation wraps up considering how the index plays into actual policy.

In the episode Simon introduces the fifth iteration of the Good Country Index (<a href="https://gate.sc/?url=https%3A%2F%2Findex.goodcountry.org%2F&amp;token=b6d99e-1-1652831690444" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">index.goodcountry.org/</a>) now published in partnership with Diplomatic Courier. He explains the nature of the index as an aggregation of contributions to the global good. Nick pulls out particular countries for scrutiny including the USA at <a href="https://soundcloud.com/tags/46" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#46</a>. They agree that the top of the table (with Sweden once again in first place ahead of Denmark and Germany) shows the collaborative nature of European countries. Other countries examined include Russia -- continuing a decline -- and China and the stark contrast between UAE at 65th and Qatar at 109th with an especially poor score in cultural contributions (136th). Countries performing well include Cyprus at 16th and South Africa at 44. The conversation wraps up considering how the index plays into actual policy.

Episode 29: Meet the Goodest: The Good Country Index for 2022

In this season 2 opener Simon and Nick consider the implications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine for issues of international image. Simon argues that the crisis has revealed the degree of interconnection associated with advanced globalization as revealed by the almost instant pressure on corporations to withdraw from Russia. Side issues include implications for the images of countries remaining neutral in the war such as India and China. Nick contrasts the image problems displayed by Ukraine in 2014 with the country's impressive showing in 2022 suggesting that investment in 'Reputational Security' has paid off. Simon notes how the image of a dynamic leader like that of President Zelensky can facilitate the repositioning of a national reputation. Simon also raises questions about the opposition in Russia and proposes a theory about Alexei Navalny.

In this season 2 opener Simon and Nick consider the implications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine for issues of international image. Simon argues that the crisis has revealed the degree of interconnection associated with advanced globalization as revealed by the almost instant pressure on corporations to withdraw from Russia. Side issues include implications for the images of countries remaining neutral in the war such as India and China. Nick contrasts the image problems displayed by Ukraine in 2014 with the country's impressive showing in 2022 suggesting that investment in 'Reputational Security' has paid off. Simon notes how the image of a dynamic leader like that of President Zelensky can facilitate the repositioning of a national reputation. Simon also raises questions about the opposition in Russia and proposes a theory about Alexei Navalny.

Episode 28: War in Ukraine

In this final episode of the season Simon and Nick consider the implications of recent developments in Afghanistan for our understanding of international image. Issues include the role of branding in the initial policy missteps towards Afghanistan in the 1990s and the prospects for a positive image of Afghanistan in the future.

In this final episode of the season Simon and Nick consider the implications of recent developments in Afghanistan for our understanding of international image. Issues include the role of branding in the initial policy missteps towards Afghanistan in the 1990s and the prospects for a positive image of Afghanistan in the future.

Episode 27: Afghanistan

This episode considers the image of Israel which, as Simon notes, was one of the worst when included in the Nation Brands Index. The heart of the problem seems to be the power of a conflict to taint the image of all combatants whatever its inherent rights and wrongs. Nick notes a string of innovative Israeli activities to show that Israel is more than a conflict. Simon recalls consistently advising governments of Israel that it would need to act jointly with Palestine to really improve its image. The bad image is shared. The pair consider the actual contributions of Israel to the world revealed in the Good Country index as evidence of the way in which the good is overshadowed. Simon attributes Israel's headwind to anti-Semitism but notes that Islamic countries face a similar attitude in external Islamophobia. The discussion concludes by considering the positive indicators of the Abraham Accords, but emphasizing all countries need to be as engages as possible in partnerships and collaborations from trade to development. Countries like Israel and Japan with a strong sense of distinctiveness and an exclusive approach to identity as at a disadvantage moving into the 21st century.

This episode considers the image of Israel which, as Simon notes, was one of the worst when included in the Nation Brands Index. The heart of the problem seems to be the power of a conflict to taint the image of all combatants whatever its inherent rights and wrongs. Nick notes a string of innovative Israeli activities to show that Israel is more than a conflict. Simon recalls consistently advising governments of Israel that it would need to act jointly with Palestine to really improve its image. The bad image is shared. The pair consider the actual contributions of Israel to the world revealed in the Good Country index as evidence of the way in which the good is overshadowed. Simon attributes Israel's headwind to anti-Semitism but notes that Islamic countries face a similar attitude in external Islamophobia. The discussion concludes by considering the positive indicators of the Abraham Accords, but emphasizing all countries need to be as engages as possible in partnerships and collaborations from trade to development. Countries like Israel and Japan with a strong sense of distinctiveness and an exclusive approach to identity as at a disadvantage moving into the 21st century.

Episode 26: Israel: Branded by Conflict?

People, Places, and Power is a podcast hosted by Nick Cull and Simon Anholt about international relations, foreign policy, and a few other issues along the way.

This episode focuses on the attitude of the mass media to the issue of national brands, international images and public diplomacy.  Simon laments the enduring focus on the superficial message of rankings.  Nick ponders the role of media as a component of national image in their own right and the possibility that the BBC is the 'goose that lays the golden egg' of British Soft Power.  The conversation turns to the reputation of damaged places like Cambodia in the 1970s or more recently Rwanda and Syria.  Nick talks about recent research on Great War propaganda suggesting that roots of distortion lay more in the popular press than in government bureaucracies.  The episode concludes with an acceptance that the public seem to get the media that they deserve and that the flaws of international coverage track 

This episode focuses on the attitude of the mass media to the issue of national brands, international images and public diplomacy. Simon laments the enduring focus on the superficial message of rankings. Nick ponders the role of media as a component of national image in their own right and the possibility that the BBC is the 'goose that lays the golden egg' of British Soft Power. The conversation turns to the reputation of damaged places like Cambodia in the 1970s or more recently Rwanda and Syria. Nick talks about recent research on Great War propaganda suggesting that roots of distortion lay more in the popular press than in government bureaucracies. The episode concludes with an acceptance that the public seem to get the media that they deserve and that the flaws of international coverage track

Episode 25: The Media: Friends or Foes of Country Image?

This episode probes arguably the most successful cluster of national reputations the Nordic region, performing at the top of both the nation brands and good country indices.  Issues include the question of how the positive reputation benefits Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland and the historical factors underpinning the phenomenon.  Nick raises the issue of the demonization of the region in Kremlin-linked media while Simon considers negative messaging from within the region from its own far right.  Simon looks back on the Danish cartoon crisis of 2006 as an exemplar for how a reputation can be damaged by a single incident.

This episode probes arguably the most successful cluster of national reputations the Nordic region, performing at the top of both the nation brands and good country indices. Issues include the question of how the positive reputation benefits Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland and the historical factors underpinning the phenomenon. Nick raises the issue of the demonization of the region in Kremlin-linked media while Simon considers negative messaging from within the region from its own far right. Simon looks back on the Danish cartoon crisis of 2006 as an exemplar for how a reputation can be damaged by a single incident.

Episode 24: Nordics: The Saga of Success?

This episode examines the crucial category of trust in communication and reputation with especial reference to the findings of the Edelman Trust Barometer for 2021 [https://www.edelman.com/trust/2021-trust-barometer]. The findings of this survey are alarming, being summarized as 'information bankruptcy'. Unlike national images, trust seems volatile with the highest degree of trust shifting from NGOs to 'people like the audience' to employers and businesses over the twenty years that the barometer has surveyed publics around the world. Simon points out that the decline of trust in government presents a crisis for democracy. Nick softens the blow by arguing that trust in local government is increasing. The pair consider the impact of COVID on trust, which seems to have boosted trust in one's own government but decreased trust in in media. The local nature of trust is seen as a problem for the UN and EU. The diffusion of trust suggests that the only way to bring people together to address large issues is through a partnership of different kinds of actors with the ability to elicit trust from different sorts of people. Simon and Nick conclude that the best way to rebuild trust is to develop critical thinking, ironic perhaps given that this process includes a reasoned mistrust. Such a process is essential for a healthy democratic future.

This episode examines the crucial category of trust in communication and reputation with especial reference to the findings of the Edelman Trust Barometer for 2021 [<a href="https://www.edelman.com/trust/2021-trust-barometer" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.edelman.com/trust/2021-trust-barometer</a>]. The findings of this survey are alarming, being summarized as 'information bankruptcy'. Unlike national images, trust seems volatile with the highest degree of trust shifting from NGOs to 'people like the audience' to employers and businesses over the twenty years that the barometer has surveyed publics around the world. Simon points out that the decline of trust in government presents a crisis for democracy. Nick softens the blow by arguing that trust in local government is increasing. The pair consider the impact of COVID on trust, which seems to have boosted trust in one's own government but decreased trust in in media. The local nature of trust is seen as a problem for the UN and EU. The diffusion of trust suggests that the only way to bring people together to address large issues is through a partnership of different kinds of actors with the ability to elicit trust from different sorts of people. Simon and Nick conclude that the best way to rebuild trust is to develop critical thinking, ironic perhaps given that this process includes a reasoned mistrust. Such a process is essential for a healthy democratic future.

Episode 23: Trust: The Linchpin of Reputation

This episode considers the best way to structure and coordinate the elements within a nation's bureaucracy responsible for public diplomacy. It looks at best practices and common shortcomings. Simon and Nick agree that fitness for purpose seems to be the last things considered in setting up institutions. Proposals for good practice include Simon's suggestion for Iceland of a single 'house of Iceland' to house all elements of outreach. Nick notes the problem of elements undermining one another and the virtues of the German system of separate institutions for each function. Turning to structures of coordination, Simon recalls working within the British structure in the later Blair period. Nick stresses the value of a single agency or individual coordinating a collective effort, and the correlation of historical success with a special relationship between the senior official and head of state as with Churchill and Brendan Bracken or Reagan and Charles Z. Wick. Simon and Nick conclude that the best results seem to come from organizing a shorter-term collective campaign working to a collective objective.

This episode considers the best way to structure and coordinate the elements within a nation's bureaucracy responsible for public diplomacy. It looks at best practices and common shortcomings. Simon and Nick agree that fitness for purpose seems to be the last things considered in setting up institutions. Proposals for good practice include Simon's suggestion for Iceland of a single 'house of Iceland' to house all elements of outreach. Nick notes the problem of elements undermining one another and the virtues of the German system of separate institutions for each function. Turning to structures of coordination, Simon recalls working within the British structure in the later Blair period. Nick stresses the value of a single agency or individual coordinating a collective effort, and the correlation of historical success with a special relationship between the senior official and head of state as with Churchill and Brendan Bracken or Reagan and Charles Z. Wick. Simon and Nick conclude that the best results seem to come from organizing a shorter-term collective campaign working to a collective objective.

Episode 22: Systems and Structures: Organizing Public Diplomacy

This episode looks at one of the strongest soft power images: that of France, noting that it has displayed a downward adjustment at the top of the Nation Brands Index in recent years. Simon considers the strengths and weaknesses of the French image, with governance and people showing up as weaknesses. Nick reflects of older ideas of France and the impact of the colonial legacy on perceptions of the country. The conversation settles on the performance of Macron as a leader, his difficulties during the pandemic and the poor international reception of statements on Islam. Yet despite missteps he is favorably compared to Boris Johnson, whose erratic policies seem bound to wound if not kill the goose that lays the golden egg of British soft power.

This episode looks at one of the strongest soft power images: that of France, noting that it has displayed a downward adjustment at the top of the Nation Brands Index in recent years. Simon considers the strengths and weaknesses of the French image, with governance and people showing up as weaknesses. Nick reflects of older ideas of France and the impact of the colonial legacy on perceptions of the country. The conversation settles on the performance of Macron as a leader, his difficulties during the pandemic and the poor international reception of statements on Islam. Yet despite missteps he is favorably compared to Boris Johnson, whose erratic policies seem bound to wound if not kill the goose that lays the golden egg of British soft power.

Episode 21: France: Trouble at the Top?

This episode develops issues raised in the discussion of migration to examine how reputation connects to the process of a nation attracting the most highly skilled people.  Simon and Nick consider which countries do this particularly well -- acknowledging the special place of the United States.  They also flip the issue and think about the issue of diaspora and the implications of the apparent absence of the concept of a "US diaspora" except for groups compelled to live outside of the US because of political or ethnic discrimination.  The issue of talent attraction is considered in both a global and regional context and -- by way of conclusion -- related to the wider attitude towards migration, with the achievements of high-profile specially recruited migrants serving as a way to swiftly show what all migrants can contribute given time, and thus serving as an argument for more welcoming systems of migration

This episode develops issues raised in the discussion of migration to examine how reputation connects to the process of a nation attracting the most highly skilled people. Simon and Nick consider which countries do this particularly well -- acknowledging the special place of the United States. They also flip the issue and think about the issue of diaspora and the implications of the apparent absence of the concept of a "US diaspora" except for groups compelled to live outside of the US because of political or ethnic discrimination. The issue of talent attraction is considered in both a global and regional context and -- by way of conclusion -- related to the wider attitude towards migration, with the achievements of high-profile specially recruited migrants serving as a way to swiftly show what all migrants can contribute given time, and thus serving as an argument for more welcoming systems of migration

Episode 20: The Tallent Trade: Who's Looking for Einstein?

This episode considers how two core concepts of this field fit together: public diplomacy and place branding.  Nick sees PD as the overall concept and place branding as one of the tools; Simon sees place branding as the overall approach and PD as just one aspect of a country's image.  They find agreement in the issue of impact and the importance of real evaluation in both activities.   Cases considered include the evolution of British public diplomacy and historical missteps to the United States.  The conversation concludes with Simon and Nick both affirming that what is really important is getting to the right policies.  Good policies that lay the foundation for success in both place branding and public diplomacy.

This episode considers how two core concepts of this field fit together: public diplomacy and place branding. Nick sees PD as the overall concept and place branding as one of the tools; Simon sees place branding as the overall approach and PD as just one aspect of a country's image. They find agreement in the issue of impact and the importance of real evaluation in both activities. Cases considered include the evolution of British public diplomacy and historical missteps to the United States. The conversation concludes with Simon and Nick both affirming that what is really important is getting to the right policies. Good policies that lay the foundation for success in both place branding and public diplomacy.

Episode 19: Public Diplomacy and Place Branding

This episode takes the case of Scotland as a point of entry into the issue of smaller countries or regions seeking independence. It probes the image of Scotland as measured by the nation brands index and looks at the reputational strengths it already enjoys. Simon notes that Scotland is rated above Ireland and is already seen as roughly equivalent to New Zealand. The conversation includes discussion of the risks to the good image of Scotland if a change of status is handled badly, attention to the role of diaspora as a booster of image, the possibility of 'virtual independence' as an optimal solution, and the universal appeal of an underdog/David and Goliath story

This episode takes the case of Scotland as a point of entry into the issue of smaller countries or regions seeking independence. It probes the image of Scotland as measured by the nation brands index and looks at the reputational strengths it already enjoys. Simon notes that Scotland is rated above Ireland and is already seen as roughly equivalent to New Zealand. The conversation includes discussion of the risks to the good image of Scotland if a change of status is handled badly, attention to the role of diaspora as a booster of image, the possibility of 'virtual independence' as an optimal solution, and the universal appeal of an underdog/David and Goliath story

Episode 18: Scotland's Next Step

This episode examines the image of Japan: consistently admired in the Nation Brands Index (#4 in 2020) but apparently out of step with the behaviors that bring strength in the Good Country index (#26 in 2020). Simon and Nick look at some of Japan's strategies to maintain a global presence such as hosting the Olympics and the up-coming Expo 2025 in Osaka; consider successful behavior such as the collective action of fans, cleaning stadiums during the soccer world cup and look at underlying weaknesses including a decline in knowledge of foreign languages and a reluctance to welcome migrants. Japan emerges as a unique actor with tremendous advantages but one which needs to take care to adapt its approach to 21st century priorities and global needs or risk a decline in its standing.

This episode examines the image of Japan: consistently admired in the Nation Brands Index (#4 in 2020) but apparently out of step with the behaviors that bring strength in the Good Country index (#26 in 2020). Simon and Nick look at some of Japan's strategies to maintain a global presence such as hosting the Olympics and the up-coming Expo 2025 in Osaka; consider successful behavior such as the collective action of fans, cleaning stadiums during the soccer world cup and look at underlying weaknesses including a decline in knowledge of foreign languages and a reluctance to welcome migrants. Japan emerges as a unique actor with tremendous advantages but one which needs to take care to adapt its approach to 21st century priorities and global needs or risk a decline in its standing.

Episode 17: Japan at the Crossroads

This episode considers the impact of digital and social media on the world of international reputation and soft power. Simon and Nick consider the association between populism and social media and ask whether diplomacy has become harder in a digital world. They look at countries which have sought to benefit from positive digital activity such as Estonia or Rwanda and ask how much damage is done when a country like Russia behaves badly. They conclude with a discussion of the reputation of big tech companies as actors in international space.

This episode considers the impact of digital and social media on the world of international reputation and soft power. Simon and Nick consider the association between populism and social media and ask whether diplomacy has become harder in a digital world. They look at countries which have sought to benefit from positive digital activity such as Estonia or Rwanda and ask how much damage is done when a country like Russia behaves badly. They conclude with a discussion of the reputation of big tech companies as actors in international space.

Episode 16: Digital Disruption: New Technology and the Balance of Soft Power.

People, Places, Power

The best podcast episodes on physical health. Episodes talk about your diet, sleep, exercise and all the things that people do to improve their physical health and live a healthier life. This topic is for everyone, with applications in all of our everyday lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Physical Health & Your Body

The best podcast episodes of anyone with an interesting story. With famous guests like Obama, LeBron James, Drake, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, to anyone who has a unique and interesting story to tell. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!