Is Brand America in decline?

Simon Anholt is one of the world's foremost experts in place branding. His most recent book, just out in the U.K., isÊBrand America: The Mother of All Brands. In it, he asserts that branding is far more likely to lead to world peace than traditional statecraft, and Simon believes Brand America is in trouble. We'll find out why today on "Smart City."

Simon is director ofÊPlacebrands, a consultancy that develops places with purpose using brand strategy. Simon is regarded as one of the world's leading specialists in the theory and practice of creating brand strategies for countries, cities and regions. He is a member of the UK Government's Public Diplomacy Executive Committee and has advised many countries on branding issues including Croatia, Scotland, New Zealand, Latvia, Germany, the Czech Republic, Tanzania, Kenya and Slovenia. He also works the British Tourist Authority, the World Travel and Tourism Council, the World Bank, the United Nations, and the World Technology Network. Simon is a member of the European Cultural Parliament.

Designer Bruce Mau asks a different, but equally provocative question: "Now that we can do anything, what will we do?" It's a question he explores in his latest exhibition, book and web site, all titledÊMassive Change. Bruce likes the changes he sees, made possible by design.

Bruce's studio,ÊBruce Mau Design, has gained international recognition for its innovation in identity articulation, research and conceptual programming, print design and production, environmental signage and wayfinding systems, and exhibition and product design. Recently his studio output has extended to dance performances, video installations, and ventures into the fields of architecture, urban planning, landscape design, and, most recently, education with the founding of The Institute without Boundaries.

Life Style, Bruce's monograph on design culture and the work of the studio, was published worldwide in 2000. Bruce was awarded the Chrysler Award for Design Innovation in 1998, and the Toronto Arts Award for Architecture and Design in 1999.

We'll talk with Simon Anholt and Bruce Mau on the next "Smart City."