Citizen Diplomacy

What is Citizen Diplomacy?

Citizen Diplomacy is the concept that, in a vibrant democracy, the individual citizen has the right—in fact, the responsibility—to help shape U.S. foreign relations.

Traditionally, individuals involved in international exchange programs as hosts or as participants have been considered citizen diplomats. In addition, citizens who interact with people from other countries (such as business representatives, government officials, academics, organizational leaders, athletes, performing artists, and students) should be encouraged to view themselves as citizen diplomats. Just like the participants in international exchange programs, their actions influence foreign colleagues’ views of the United States and their willingness to cooperate with us.