---
title: "Public Diplomacy career track — Definition & Meaning"
description: "The Public Diplomacy career track focuses on influencing foreign publics and explaining U.S. policy abroad, vital for Foreign Service Officers."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/public-diplomacy-career-track"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Public Diplomacy career track is one of the U.
- S.
- What are the five career tracks (cones) of the U.S. Foreign Service?
- How does public diplomacy differ from traditional diplomacy and propaganda?
- What 1999 reform shaped the modern Public Diplomacy track?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The Public Diplomacy career track is one of the U.S. Foreign Service's five officer career tracks, dedicated to influencing foreign publics and explaining American policy abroad.

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In 1999, the U.S. Information Agency was merged into the State Department, and officers like cultural affairs specialists were absorbed into the new Public Diplomacy cone under the first Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy, Evelyn Lieberman.

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