US gives digital diplomacy a chance, on YouTube

WASHINGTON: Some may say it is slow to change, but the US Department of State has plunged into the digital world with a virtual briefing on YouTube -- so far with what might diplomatically be called mixed reviews.

Launched in October by spokesman Sean McCormack, "Briefing 2.0" allows "citizen journalists," students, researchers and other bloggers to get face time with the US government on foreign policy questions while bypassing traditional media.

But the third digital conference with McCormack, recorded in the agency's briefing room this week, shed some light on apparent constraints on his bid to usher the State Department into the 21st century.

McCormack responded to no more than nine questions submitted online and had ample time to prepare before his briefing was recorded.

Unlike a usual press briefing, those questioning the spokesman could not challenge his response, and McCormack spoke uninterrupted for the better part of 40 minutes.

"Although you did not answer my question, I still want to thank you for creating such (a) great opportunity to communicate with the people," wrote "seanlach" in response to the last "Briefing 2.0," which has only received 835 views since it was recorded on November 20.




Seven of the nine questions submitted for Thursday's briefing came from students at US universities who were encouraged by the State Department to take part.

The two spontaneous questions, which focused on the battered image of the United States around the world, received only vague responses about the democracy and freedom agenda that has been a hallmark of President George W. Bush's administration.

"Substantial public confusion exists both internationally and domestically about US foreign policy," said Jim from Virginia, who asked McCormack to clarify the link between US interests and policy.

"It's our view that we are at our best and we are at our most influential when our interests and our values are aligned. And that's what we have attempted to do in terms of the promotion of democracy and the so-called 'freedom agenda' around the world," McCormack responded.

"I wonder what the State Department's position is ... and how concerned are they about Venezuela's relationship with Iran ... and how concerned are they with the relations with Russia," asked Aaron, a student at George Washington University.

"I don't think there's any doubt about who the preeminent political, economic and diplomatic power in the region, in the Western Hemisphere is," said McCormack, repeating a formula often used by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

"The problem with (Venezuelan President) Hugo Chavez is he's elected but he hasn't governed democratically."

Despite any limitations, McCormack remains optimistic about his effort.

"I'm going to stop counting however many we have after this one because I think it now has become a regular thing," he said in opening Thursday's briefing. "We have moved from the realm of 'let's try this out and see how it works' to 'wow, I think we're actually getting a pretty good response here.'"

In order to make the "briefing" more realistic, the agency invited students to attend the event in person and ask questions. But during this exam period, no volunteers showed up and the department welcomed young researchers from local think-tanks instead, who asked a few questions.

On the State Department's YouTube page, "statevideo," users can also find interviews with diplomats, speeches and other video presentations. The agency has an official blog, "Dipnote," on foreign policy issues.