On Feb. 12, USC Annenberg Professor Philip Seib wrote an article for The Huffington Post that evaluated Hillary Clinton’s tenure as Secretary of State.

According to Seib, many people were wrong in saying that Clinton’s “town hall” approach to foreign policy was “soft and marginal.”

“They were essential elements of public diplomacy, connecting to people directly rather than through their governments, and they moved public diplomacy toward its appropriate place as an integral part of American relations with the rest of the world,” said Seib.

Seib also argued that Clinton recognized the growth of technology, as well as her responsibility to find a way to connect directly with the public.

“One-way communication is archaic and ineffective,” said Seib.

As John Kerry takes over Clinton’s position, Seib noted that Kerry has the opportunity to bring new importance to public diplomacy.

“The State Department must stay ahead of the curve, anticipating innovative ways to deliver information and to respond to a global public that is finding its voice,” said Seib.

Seib is a professor of Journalism and International Relations. He is also the director of USC Annenberg’s Center on Public Diplomacy.