The State Department’s Opinion Space

March 16, 2010 By Jordan Smith

Extending their emphasis on outreach with the public, yesterday the State Department launched a new interactive Web site aimed at fostering global conversations about diplomacy. The new “Opinion Space” site uses “new data visualization models” and analysis to map out where participants’ viewpoints fall on a visual opinion map. The map is based on the similarity of users’ opinions and not on geographic location. “Those who agree on basic issues are neighbors, and those who are far apart have agreed to disagree,” the site says. OpinionSpace site is open to all citizens around the world. “This is an example of what we call 21st century statecraft and an opportunity to extend our engagement beyond the halls of government directly to the people of the world,” Secretary Clinton said.