Nation Branding is a concept often misunderstood by political leaders as a magical wand through which marketing techniques could be used to “fix” the tarnished image of their nation in order to attract investment, visitors or skilled labor. (Un)fortunately, things aren’t that easy. The following articles offer summaries of latest research and reflections on the brand positioning and reputation of nations, often linked to public diplomacy.
Daniel Valverde Bagnarello in this interview discusses the strategy behind award-winning country brand Essential Costa Rica and shares how country branding “the Costa Rican way” has become a success story and example to follow.
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Sithembile Ntombela in this interview introduces us to South Africa’s approach to destination marketing and nation branding. Learn about South Africa’s economic and social reality, investment opportunities and how Brand South Africa works towards strengthening a shared national identity.
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Nation branding – a concept and term which has received ample criticism. But what does it actually mean? And how does nation branding differ from public diplomacy, country branding? Answers to those and similar questions here.
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The role of humour in nation branding and public diplomacy, and the politics of identity are two of the topics addressed in this interview by Christopher Browning of the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom.
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Brand Peru, the country’s economic development and its new found sense of belonging and identity are the main topics which Dr Rolando Arellano addresses in this interview.
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