The most important roles public diplomacy will have to play for the United States in the current international environment will be less grand-strategic and more operational than during the Cold War. Support of national policy in military contingencies is one such role, and probably the most important. — Carnes Lord (former Deputy Director USIA), Professor of Statecraft and Civilization, October 1998[3] Public diplomacy – effectively communicating with publics around the globe – to understand, value and even emulate America's vision and ideas; historically one of America's most effective weapons of outreach, persuasion and policy. — Jill A. Schuker (former Senior Director for Public Affairs at the National Security Council) July 2004[3]