Journal of Public Diplomacy

The Korean Association for Public Diplomacy (한국공공외교학회)
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Ethics in Public Diplomacy: Insights from Practitioners

  • Kathy R. Fitzpatrick (University of South Florida) ;
  • Lori Melton McKinnon (Oklahoma State University) ;
  • Jami A. Fullerton (Oklahoma State University)
  • Received : 2023.12.28
  • Accepted : 2024.07.09
  • Published : 2024.10.31
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Abstract

A rare opportunity to shadow, observe and interview Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) working at a U.S. Embassy in a European capital provided insights on how public diplomacy practitioners view ethics in the practice of public diplomacy. Findings show that public diplomats believe that ethics and values are important to their work and that they are ethical in their efforts to engage foreign publics. U.S. public diplomats see themselves as playing an important role in advancing truth and supporting the free flow of credible information about the United States and its interests and values. Participants said that although ethical guidelines are available, they do not routinely consult ethical resources in their work. They cited ethical challenges related to 1) dealing with unethical adversaries who spread disinformation and propaganda, 2) the use of new technologies, 3) gaining timely approvals for field activities, 4) conducting public diplomacy in diverse cultural contexts, and 5) relying on partners who may not share the same values or aims. The study contemplates the need for formal ethical standards in the practice of public diplomacy.

Keywords

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