Track 1 1/2 & Track II Diplomacy

Home What We Do Track 1 1/2 & Track II Diplomacy

Track I ½ & Track II Diplomacy

Track I ½ and Track II diplomacy forms the basis of the NCAFP’s approach to resolving conflicts and promoting America’s strategic interest. This type of diplomacy features a series of candid, off-the-record exchanges between officials, former officials and policy specialists aimed at resolving problems that states are unwilling or unable to address in official dialogue. Former Secretary of Defense William Perry has defined Track II work as a dialogue between non-officials designed to fill the gap in the official dialogue.

NCAFP Meets with DPRK

A Delegation from the DPRK meets privately with the NCAFP in 2012

The Track II approach:

  • Aims to change the attitudes of the parties in conflict by working to break down negative stereotypes and generalizations of the other side resulting from political barriers.
  • Opens and improves the quality of communication channels between parties in conflict.
  • Builds not only professional networks but also personal relationships resulting from frank and open exchanges free of the formality of formal dialogues.
  • Contributes to confidence and trust-building given the private and off-the-record nature of exchanges.
  • Provides new options for negotiation by generating creative ideas that might not be raised within the context of official negotiations.

Previous notable participants of the NCAFP’s Track II dialogues include:

  • Dr. Henry A. Kissinger, former U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor
  • The Honorable Paul A. Volcker, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve
  • The Honorable Madeleine Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State
  • Ambassador Winston Lord, former U.S. Ambassador to China 

The Honorable Richard N. Haass, President of the Council on Foreign Relations

The National Committee stands out as an oasis of non-partisanship and serious thought about this country’s purpose in the world."

The Honorable Richard N. Haass, President of the Council on Foreign Relations
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