Jay Snyder

From Public Diplomacy

Jay Snyder is a member of the US Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. Snyder is also a principal of HBJ Investments, LLC, and Ashfield Consulting Group, a financial services firm.

Snyder’s past service includes serving as a U.S. Representative to the 55th United Nations General Assembly and later as a public delegate involved in a variety of issues, including the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, sustainable development, and U.S. efforts at UN reform. Snyder has also served as vice president of Biocraft Laboratories, and as managing director for the Mayberry Core Asset Management Group.

[edit] Public Diplomacy

In late 2005, the Advisory Commission published its annual report, giving strong recommendations and guidance on the future of US public diplomacy. The group states that in the short term, a central goal is to establish platforms for cross-cultural dialogue, noting that “two-way communication is critical to fostering a sense of shared values and trust.�? The report also provides recommendations on improving long-term communications, including the development of virtual centers for cultural exchange and the establishment of new English language inititiatives. The Commission’s conclusions highlight the increasing importance of modernizing communications in under-developed nations, providing a critical link for the West to engage its world audience.

In a discussion panel at the 2004 Tribeca Film Festival, Snyder gave his commentary on the American government’s attempts to build its image abroad. Titled, “We Hate You, But Please Send Us More Austin Powers,�? the group looks at the way in which foreign policy and diplomacy is set not only by the government, but also by popular culture, both advertently and inadvertently. Snyder gives his perspective on two government developments, Alhurra, a US-based satellite television network, and Radio Sawa, both broadcast throughout much of the Middle East. As he states, these creations are having a very beneficial effect on Middle Eastern societies, providing an impartial and concise take on news and world developments. A quick comment, Snyder notes, “that if al-Sawa [is] broadcasting 100 percent news and is the number one station then it must be having an impact on the populations that are listening!�?

[edit] Publication & Articles

• Lear Center Panel at the 2004 Tribeca Film Festival
• 2005 Report of the Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy

Resources

• Lear Center Panel at the 2004 Tribeca Film Festival
• 2005 Report of the Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy
• Snyder Sworn In Press Release
• State Department Profiles

PbWinter 11:05, 6 Jun 2006 (PDT)