In order for this to take place, extensive reforms need to take place at the U.S. State Department. Congress folded the United States Information Agency into the State Department in 1999 in order to bring it closer to foreign policy making institutions. The strategy was to ensure that public diplomacy was “on the takeoffs and landings” of foreign policy.[1] Secretary Rice should meet this goal of merger during her term.

The United States and others must not only practice smart public diplomacy but culturally sensitive public diplomacy. Policy makers must not exclude minority cultures, especially indigenous peoples, from the policy-making processes. Public diplomacy can play a role in determining not only what is good for America’s or any country’s interests, but also what is best for foreign constituents. It is imperative that the United States make changes to meet the challenges set forth by the UNDP Human Development Report, including how the people of nations communicate with one another.

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