The term “Track Two Diplomacy” was coined in 1980 by a member of our board to describe an emergent non-governmental approach to relations between nations.

 

Track Two Diplomacy refers to informal, private-sector collaboration between members of groups or nations in conflict, which seeks to devise strategies, coordinate human and material resources, and influence public opinion in an effort to help resolve conflict. Alternately, it is called "Citizen Diplomacy."

 

It does not seek to replace or obfuscate traditional, official “Track One” diplomacy between governments and leaders, but rather strives to complement it.