Protecting Sensitive Industries – Countering Hostile State Influences through Diplomacy

This is the 5th episode of the 3rd Season of PR Unmasked. In this episode recorded in partnership with Global Ties US, Muddassar Ahmed sits down in conversation with Cultural Affairs Officer Sydney Smith of the US Embassy, and Chairman of Farnborough International, Paul Everrit.

This episode will be focussing on be the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom, the importance this relationship has in combating hostile state influences, and the role of public diplomacy and exchange, as promoted by the recently completed Protecting Sensitive Industries Exchange. This programme has been designed for representatives from relevant UK government ministries, private industry, and academia to learn more about US government and industry strategies for protecting sensitive technologies particularly in the military, scientific, and energy sectors.

Sydney Smith is a seasoned diplomat and communications expert with extensive experience in the public and private sectors, with a special focus and interest on misinformation, media literacy, and extremism. She has been serving as Cultural Affairs Officer with the US Embassy in London since 2020.

Paul Everrit is the former chief executive of major UK trade associations ADS & SMMT and has been a member of the Automotive Council and the Aerospace Growth Partnership. Paul is currently the Chairman of Farnborough International Ltd and Non-executive Director of the Aerospace Technology Institute.