What is Track II and Track 1 ½Diplomacy?

At the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, we use what is called a “track
II” approach to achieve our overarching goal of resolving conflicts that threaten U.S.
interests. Utilizing this method uniquely positions us and sets us apart from many other
non-profit, activist organizations. However, this raises the question:

What is a track II approach?

 

Throughout the years, participants at National Committee track II dialogues have expressed
their support of our efforts and our unique approach; some encomiums are here.

Definition

Former secretary of defense William Perry, currently a senior fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution and a frequent participant in track II discussions with counterparts from North Korea, including those sponsored by the NCAFP, has offered a simple, broad definition of track II diplomacy. He calls it, “the dialogue between non-officials of nations designed to make up for the perceived shortcomings in the official dialogue.”

Ronald J. Fisher, an academic pioneer in the field of conflict resolution, calls attention to the “variety of unofficial, facilitated interactions between antagonists in violent conflicts, involving high-level influentials that have the ear of the leaderships, and mid level influentials from a variety of sectors, who can influence policy/making and/or public opinion.”

Joseph Montville, a former State Department official, who is credited with originating the term "track II diplomacy," defines it as “an unofficial, informal interaction between members of adversary groups or nations that aims to develop strategies, influence public opinion and organize human and material resources in ways that might help resolve their conflict.”