Ph.D., University of Southern California, 2007
Bio:
Craig Hayden is currently a lecturer in the Political Science and Communication Departments, as well as Coordinator for Global Engagement for UCSB. Prior to joining UCSB, he was Associate Professor and Department Chair in Security Studies at the Marine Corps University Command and Staff College. From 2015-2018, he served as Coordinator for the Diplomatic Mastery Program at the U.S. Department of State, where he developed an interdisciplinary, blended learning program for incoming U.S. Foreign Service officers, as well as experiential education and training programs for mid-career U.S. diplomats.
Dr. Hayden also taught courses in International Communication, public diplomacy, and International Relations theory at the American University School of International Service. He has been a Research Fellow at the USC Center on Public Diplomacy and a member of the Public Diplomacy Council in Washington D.C. He has served as the Division Chair for the International Communication section of the International Studies Association.
Dr. Hayden has published on strategic communication, diplomacy, and the role of technology in international relations. He is the author of "The Rhetoric of Soft Power: Public Diplomacy in Global Contexts" (Lexington Books, 2011) and co-editor of "The Anthem Handbook of Soft Power and Public Diplomacy in the Age of AI" (Anthem, 2026) and "The Routledge Handbook of Soft Power" (Routledge, 2016). His current research focuses on the logics of influence in U.S. public diplomacy strategy, the role of narrative in U.S. foreign policy, and international information and influence activities.