Abstract
This interdisciplinary collection explores new dimensions in the politics of image and aid. The approach taken by this timely volume is to consider a variety of cases drawing upon a combination of theoretical and conceptual lenses that each in their own way combine a focus on aid with a focus on image. The cases in this volume consist of empirical contributions in regions as diverse as Kosovo, Korea, Mexico, Turkey, Afghanistan, Somalia, Sweden, Colombia, Russia, and China. They seek to explore foreign policy trends originating with some of the most powerful Northern donors in order to see how they are influencing patterns of national development. This introduction outlines some essential themes in the relationship between soft power, public diplomacy, development communication, and nation brands.