The Role of Public Diplomacy in Regional Integration a Case Study of Eac

Abstract

This research aims at evaluating the role of public diplomacy in enhancing Regional Integration in the East African Community. The interest for this research is driven by the realization of the strategic role that public diplomacy play in enhancing the development of multinational and supranational governmental organizations. Primarily, this research aims at justifying why the role Public Diplomacy, cannot be undervalued during regional integration While undertaking this research, a subtle analysis on use of public diplomacy in other integration schemes and the policies put in place to enhance their integration processes, will be undertaken. Notable alongside the role of public diplomacy is the synonymous role of culture in both Public diplomacy and the regional integration process, this study therefore evaluates how culture plays the intertwining role between Public diplomacy and Regional Integration. This study also pays particular cognizance to the role of effective communication in public diplomacy The study will examine the various way in which public diplomacy initiatives have been applied in EAC’s regional integration, the study will further proceed to reveal that public diplomacy is no longer the preserve of the nation state, citing specific examples of efforts by non-state actors in fostering regional integration in East Africa. It is therefore against this background that I seek to evaluate how effective public diplomacy can establish lasting relationships with foreign publics compelling them to accept the regional agenda Finally, this study intends to make recommendations drawn from the potential of effective public diplomacy in fostering the east African community integration process.