diplomacy

Table top tennis players compete in front of a large blue banner

A fresh call for ‘pingpong diplomacy’ on the 50th anniversary of the first US-China games

The 1971 Table Tennis World Championship featuring US and Chinese teams has never been forgotten. Now, original players are calling for renewed diplomacy as tensions continue to mount between the two countries.

A fresh call for ‘pingpong diplomacy’ on the 50th anniversary of the first US-China games
Richard Holbrooke sits in a small military vehicle holding a bottle.

In 'Our Man,' diplomat Richard Holbrooke is both an egotist and idealist

In 'Our Man,' diplomat Richard Holbrooke is both an egotist and idealist
Woman and man with baby in front of table decorated for child's birthday

After deportation, a family from Wisconsin will start anew in Cambodia

After deportation, a family from Wisconsin will start anew in Cambodia
Portrait of man's head against rows of lights, dark around him

Can Pompeo get the State Department 'back at the big kids’ table'?

Can Pompeo get the State Department 'back at the big kids’ table'?
A combination photo shows US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and CIA Director Mike Pompeo

So, what does Pompeo have that Tillerson doesn't?

So, what does Pompeo have that Tillerson doesn't?
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Amb. Wendy Sherman speaking at Wellesley College.

Madeleine Albright: 'Many of the best diplomats are women'

Does gender play a role in the art of diplomacy? A discussion with Madeleine Albright and Wendy Sherman on gender, diplomacy and the Trump administration.

Madeleine Albright: 'Many of the best diplomats are women'
Boy on horse in carousel, looking at camera. Old, scanned photo

On being Korean in America in the time of the ‘Axis of Evil’ and ‘Rocket Man’

This is how Ju-Hyun Park learned to distance himself from being Korean in America.

On being Korean in America in the time of the ‘Axis of Evil’ and ‘Rocket Man’
US Marines raise the American flag at half-staff at the US Embassy in Havana, Cuba, on Oct. 2, 2017.

US expels Cuban diplomats in the latest threat to US-Cuban relations

The US says Cuba failed to protect Americans on Cuban soil, while Cuba says Americans are just looking for an excuse to punish the country.

US expels Cuban diplomats in the latest threat to US-Cuban relations
Catherine the Great of Russia, by Fyodor Rokotov

How Russian meddling impacted the American Revolution

Foreign help was critical to the success of the American Revolution. Many people know about the important roles played by France and Spain. But less well-known is the indirect help the US got from Russia. On this July 4, we explore how Russia accidentally helped the American fight for independence.

How Russian meddling impacted the American Revolution
Doha, Qatar

Qatar responds to Gulf nations' demands as deadline is extended

Gulf countries extended the deadline on demands that Qatar end support for the Muslim Brotherhood, shut Al Jazeera, downgrade ties with Iran and close a Turkish base.

Qatar responds to Gulf nations' demands as deadline is extended
two me hug

Modi is about to become the first Indian prime minister to visit Israel

The visit marks 25 years since India and Israel established diplomatic relations and comes after billions of dollars in defense deals.

Modi is about to become the first Indian prime minister to visit Israel
President Donald Trump watches as Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan departs at the entrance to the West Wing of the White House in Washington on May 16.

Trump meets Turkey's Erdogan as the US vows to arm his enemies

Presidents Donald Trump and Recep Tayyip Erdogan stood side by side at the White House on Tuesday and promised to work through strained ties despite the Turkish leader's stern warning about Washington's arming of a Kurdish militia.

Trump meets Turkey's Erdogan as the US vows to arm his enemies
Egypt's President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi in Khartoum, Sudan, on Oct. 10, 2016.

Trump praises 'fantastic job' of Egyptian leader widely accused of human rights violations

Egypt's President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi met his counterpart and admirer Donald Trump in Washington Monday for a "reboot" of relations following years of tension with the American president's predecessor.

Trump praises 'fantastic job' of Egyptian leader widely accused of human rights violations
‘The Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks,’ by Ilya Repin. Their inimitable, undiplomatic insults led to war.

A history of undiplomatic insults

The Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte got a lot of attention for using a crude insult when talking about President Obama. But he's not the first statesman to be crass and insulting.

A history of undiplomatic insults
Soudeh Ghasemi (L) and Bijan Ahmadi are among the Iranian-Canadians in Toronto who hope that Canada will normalize relations with Iran sooner than later.

Canada wants to revive diplomatic ties with Iran

In contrast to its US allies, the Canadians want to normalize relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Conservative-led government in Ottawa abruptly cut off ties with Iran in 2012. Now, the new Liberal government says it’s time to turn the page.

Canada wants to revive diplomatic ties with Iran