Samantha Adler analyzes what makes unusual forms of diplomacy effective or ineffective at reducing conflict. This is the final article in a series of five.
Effectiveness of unusual diplomacy. Chart by Samantha Adler
In the fourth article in her series on unusual forms of diplomacy, Samantha Adler examines efforts to use sports to bridge the divide in Northern Ireland.
Map of Ireland.
TV Rain television studio in Moscow. Photos by Lori Perkovich.
In Moscow to study U.S.-Russia diplomatic relations, Lori Perkovich sought an internal perspective on the Kremlin’s use of media to influence both Russian citizens and the international community. Her report:
Jane 
McClenahan writes: For those interested in what is going on inside Russia I can highly recommend a newly published book which looks at how the internet has been faciliating alternative political voices inside the country. “Now I Know Who My Comrades Are” by Emily Parker considers opposition voices in China, Cuba, and Russia.
Jane McClenahan writes: As we move into 2014, I’d like to share a few things I’m following this year. It’s a list to encourage discussion, is far from exhaustive and is shamelessly biased towards my own interests.
Terracotta army of Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang, third century BC.
Photo by Barbara Borst
Maggy Donaldson reports on the drive to make New York the first big U.S. city to allow legal immigrants to vote in municipal elections.
New York City non-citizen eligible voter population by council district, based on census data. Map courtesy of NY Coalition to Expand Voting Rights.
This Fall, US Ambassador Richard Haass is back working in Belfast. It’s a familiar desk for one of the US’s most experienced mediators to get his feet under. Yet, he recently admitted many in the United States were puzzled as to why he was returning to Northern Ireland. Aren’t those problems over they asked?Jane McClenahan looks at why he’s there.
Tutawaza 