The role of public diplomacy in influencing foreign relations in East Africa: A case study of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kenya

Abstract

This study analyses the role of public diplomacy in influencing foreign relations in East Africa; a case study of Kenya. This research study will be guided by the following objectives;1) To assess the role of Kenya’s public diplomacy in East Africa’s Region.2)To examine strategies used by Kenya at influencing its public diplomacy in East Africa Region.3)To find out the challenges Kenya is facing when implementing its public diplomacy in the East Africa region. As a case study, this research is designed to examine and determine the role and impact of public diplomacy in influencing the outcome of Kenya engaging in foreign relations with the East Africa Community at both the regional level and international arena. This study applies International Liberalism theory and Realism theory to evaluate the relation between the public diplomacy and foreign relations, as the study relates the liberal standards enlightening the objectives of foreign relations in different states, both developing and developed states. The realism theory argues that people prefer peace to war, while the theory of liberalism indicates on how different states have decided to use soft power to influence and attract other states in engaging with them in foreign relations. The media facilitate the public opinion of the targeted foreign audience and hence the media is important in policy decision making. The data will be collected at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as selected foreign diplomatic missions based in Nairobi. It is proven how public diplomacy plays a harmonizing function of influencing foreign relations. The study hence recommends that Kenya should launch a strong regional media network, an effective diplomacy strategy to bridge the gaps in foreign relations process and train diplomats on effective public relations. The study further recommends research into the new tactics applied in public diplomacy to impact on diplomatic engagements and an inquiry into the effective ways of strategic requirements needed to integrate public diplomacy as a tool of influencing foreign relations by governments in Africa.