The Center is currently pursuing a broad agenda of research and scholarship, conducting empirical research and developing new theories and models for effective action in the field of public diplomacy. The following research projects are currently underway.

Formally launched initiatives include:

Alhurra TV Research Project
Alhurra TV Research Project is a year-long effort evaluating Alhurra TV's news and topical programming. Established in 2004, Alhurra TV is the broadcasting arm of the U.S. government-funded Broadcasting Board of Governors and broadcasts news, talk shows, entertainment and cultural programming throughout North Africa and the Middle East.

AFRICOM: The American Military and Public Diplomacy in Africa
The USC Center on Public Diplomacy at the Annenberg School and the USC Center for International Studies will host a February 8 conference entitled, AFRICOM: The American Military and Public Diplomacy in Africa.

Al Jazeera English Research Project
In collaboration with Queens University of Charlotte this project involves audience and organizational analysis to evaluate the conciliatory potential of Al-Jazeera English (AJE).

Principal Investigators: Shawn Powers; Mohammed el-Nawawy
Sponsor: The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Smart Power
The purpose of this project is to develop a new approach to national power that allows senior policy makers to better integrate the assets and tools of coercive power such as military action (“hard power”), with the resources of traditional and public diplomacy (“soft power”).

Principal Investigator: Ernest James Wilson III

Critical Media Framing
This project will examine the scope of public argument in multiple case studies of Arab media coverage of the Unites States.

Principal Investigator: Geoffrey Cowan; Douglas Thomas
Research Manager: Craig Hayden