ABSTRACT
For decades, scholars and practitioners have debated the issue of separation or convergence between public relations and public diplomacy. In the global war against terrorism, these functions have become integral to efforts by nations and international alliances to achieve domestic and foreign policy goals. Recent integration of public relations with public diplomacy and even psychological operations in global, politicalmilitary approaches to strategic communication suggest a practical convergence that is moving beyond a theoretical explanation. Without a theoretical framework to guide these programs, the boundaries among communication functions could erode and threaten the integrity of public relations and public diplomacy. This chapter uses a review of historical trends and literature to posit conceptual convergence, promote discussion and research, and propose an international convergence model.
