Required #9(Late) - 21st Century Statecraft

http://techchange.org/2010/08/23/21st-century-statecraft-what-does-it-really-mean/

This week we explored the topic of 21st Century Statecraft through a variety of academic and journalistic articles. What exactly is 21st Century Statecraft? The United States Department of State defines 21st Century Statecraft as, "The complementing of traditional foreign policy tools with newly innovated and adapted instruments of statecraft that fully leverage the networks, technologies, and demographics of our interconnected world[1]." The idea behind 21st Century Statecraft is leveraging technology to reach out to the people all around the world. Under this 21st Century Statecraft, mantra the United States has created various programs such as Text Haiti, mWomen, and the Apps for Africa Competition to just name a few. The United States is also using tools such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to spread the 21st Century Statecraft philosophy.

While I find the ideas of 21st Century interesting there are inherent concerns that arise with any governmental program. Some view these programs as simple tools to increase the influence that America has within that country. Once we have gained the influenced through these programs, we will begin trying to change them from within. While these fears are mostly unfounded, historically the United States has attempted those types of programs around the world. These concerns could lead to less people engaging with the State Department's programs

Within the current Federal government, no one is really prepared to take the lead on implementing these 21st Century Statecraft ideas. Jared Cohen used to his fill this role, until he took a job in the private industry to work for Google. Jared Cohen is perhaps most famous for asking Twitter to not go down for maintenance during the Iranian "Twitter Revolution." When reading the New York Times Article first about Jared Cohen, I thought that this 21st Century Statecraft thing could actually work. Then I read the Huffington Post article and discovered that Jared Cohen had left the State Department to work for Google. If Jared Cohen, the "father" of 21st Century Statecraft does not want to promote the idea, who in the Federal Government will?

Finally, a third problem with 21st century statecraft is that it may not even work as described. Research shows that the opinion of Muslim's who participated in the State Department's program was actually lower than those who had not participated. If the entire purpose of these programs to improve perception of America across the world, what have these programs actually accomplished? Without working to improve perception of America, these programs are a waste of money.

I recognize that I may be overly critical of these programs, but so far, they have not show the results promised. While 21st Century Statecraft is still in the infancy stage, the program lacks the leader to run with the idea and further develop it. I just do not see that person emerging when the Jared Cohen, the "father" of 21st Century Statecraft, leaves the State Department for Google. Unfortunately, the bureaucracy and red tape will make it difficult to incite the right people to work at the State Department and remain there. If the State Department ever finds the right leader for this program, I will reconsider my position on the idea. Until then, I find 21st Century Statecraft an interesting idea with terrible implementation.

---

[1] http://www.state.gov/statecraft/overview/index.htm