ABSTRACT
The need for foreign governments to explain themselves and to promote trade and tourism in the United States became apparent shortly after the turn of the century when America shed its isolationism and moved onto the world stage in the wake of the Spanish–American War. These needs have intensified through the 20th century as nations grew more interdependent, and a fiercely competitive world economy emerged. These needs have been met and are being met by a proliferation of public relations professionals specializing in the representation of foreign governments and serving variously the roles of promoters, propagandists, and lobbyists.
