People, Places, and Power is a podcast hosted by Nick Cull and Simon Anholt about international relations, foreign policy, and a few other issues along the way.
The Verdict? The Nation Brands Index 2022 and Russia's fall from grace.
In this season finale Simon and Nick discuss the recently published findings of the 2022 version of the Anholt-Ipsos Nation Brands Index. The most noticeable result is that Russia has fallen from 27th place in 2021 to 58th, a dive unlike any other in the history of the index reflecting the international community's alarm at the invasion of Ukraine. They note that Ukraine has not jumped forward in an analogous way, but merely continues to show a gradual improvement in its standing. Simon and Nick discuss these and other features of the new index including the UK dropping out of the top 5, the continuation of German in the top spot and the US remaining 8th. Other issues include a decline of interest in traveling to other places in general and an improvement in the image of Israel.
9 Dec 2022
Africa on the move? The Prospects for a Better Image.
In this episode Nick and Simon discuss the shifting image of Africa, taking a lead from the latest version of the Anholt-Ipsos Nation Brands Index. Countries discussed include Egypt and Morocco, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana. Simon argues that external knowledge of culture is the key and proposes a collective effort in that regard like a joint equivalent of the British Council. Nick notes some single country successes like Angola's win at the Venice Art biennale. They agree that progress is slow and conclude with discussion of the increased presence of China on the continent.
7 Oct 2022
Episode 46: Small is Beautiful? Subnational places and image promotion
This episode looks at the smaller units of international image—regions and cities—and how they fare in comparison to national images. Issues discussed include whether they help or hurt a national image and whether the promotion of smaller places is worthwhile. Simon starts out noting that some places are known for their products, with Champagne being the most obvious, but many are destined to remain unknown. Nick notes that the European Union benefits from being known for its smaller constituent parts while China's image in much more intimidating because its regional variations are unknown, and the focus is on the national level. Simon and Nick agree that diversity enhances a national image and note the value of regional images even when they are explicitly at odds with the overall nation state as with the case of the Basque Country and Catalonia within Spain. Simon argues that the internal contradictions, tensions and reactions that emerge from the interplay of local and national identities are part of what make nations vibrant and attractive. The conversation ends with discussion of issues around measurement and of the tension between rural and urban identities around the world.
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