ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces explorations of CSOs’ public diplomacy engagement, practices and influences in which they work and sheds light on their challenges in contemporary societies. It includes the background, framework, scope and questions of volume and methods. It focuses on the theme of CSOs’ responses to societal demands, donors’ demands, shifts and changes and development challenges and opportunities by examining specific case studies aimed at improving our understanding of the challenges facing CSOs’ public diplomacy activities in various societies. The chapter also tackles a number of challenges facing CSOs’ effectiveness, the efficiency of their public diplomacy activities and their impact on change and community development processes. For example, CSOs now employ online and social media platforms to challenge restrictions imposed on activists’ freedom of movement and lack of resources, including providing finance for their target groups and donors. The spread of diseases, wars and a lack of safety have increased pressure on CSOs to find alternative means to achieve their objectives.
