Resumen de Scope and status of public diplomacy research by public relations scholars, 1990–2014

Antoaneta M. Vanc, Kathy R. Fitzpatrick

• Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess the scope and status of public diplomacy research by public relations scholars between 1990 and 2014. The work examined authorship, research topics, methodological approaches and contributions to theory building in public diplomacy. The research revealed tremendous potential for public relations researchers to contribute to the intellectual and practical development of public diplomacy. The investigation also identified a need for empirical studies that would deepen our understanding of how diplomatic actors build and sustain relationships with foreign publics and the potential role and value of public relations concepts and practices in such processes. Recommendations for future research are offered.