This book describes how the U.S. Information Agency (USIA) conducted its varied media, cultural, and educational exchange programs in nine countries during the Cold War, through the eyes of a Foreign Service veteran. It depicts the excitement, frustrations, satisfactions-and sometimes glamour-of a career in the Foreign Service of the United States Information Agency (USIA). It describes how the U.S. government agency responsible for what is now called "public diplomacy" conducted its varied media, cultural, and educational exchange programs in nine countries during the Cold War. The author, a 32-year veteran of USIA, demonstrates how USIA operated at its headquarters in Washington and abroad, where it was known as the U.S. Information Service (USIS). When at overseas posts he describes both American and local personnel; some of USIA's achievements and, at times, the lack thereof; his professional relationships with embassy colleagues of the Department of State and other agencies; and addresses such unusual events as an earthquake in Mexico, a murder in Montevideo, coups d'etat in Venezuela and Bolivia, and a civil war in the Dominican Republic.

First published in 1984, "USIA: Public Diplomacy in the Computer Age" is the only current study of America's public diplomacy agency. This completely revised and updated second edition incorporates the dramatic changes that have occurred in USIA world communications through computerization. It is a detailed study of how the USIA carries out its mission and how it might improve. It also outlines changes since 1984, summarizes the retiring director Charles Z. Wick's accomplishments, and forecasts future possibilities under new leadership. Advocating a greater focus on the third world, this edition pays considerable attention to how glasnost has affected U.S.-Soviet cultural relations. This book will interest students and scholars of international relations, government employees, and those wanting to learn more about public diplomacy.

Drawing upon thirty-two years of service, the author provides us with a detailed description of the United States Information Agency. This new edition covers tremendous changes which have occurred in the past five years. The WORLDNET innovation, greatly expanded computer to computer activities, and Voice of America's modernization program are just some of the aspects of USIA operations presented here. His premise is that USIA's mission has always been support for U.S. foreign policy together with the fostering of non-political educational and cultural exchanges. His book therefore challenges recent views which advocate separating cultural from informational activities.