The Western Balkans—a region that was the scene of fierce ethnic bloodshed in the 1990s after the breakup of Yugoslavia—now
Fifty years after the assassination of Orlando Letelier in Washington, Latin America is experiencing a marked political shift to the right. From Chile and Colombia to Ecuador, Paraguay and Costa Rica, a new generation of conservative leaders is reshaping the region—and the diplomats representing it in Washington.
Washington’s diplomatic community gathered for a series of notable events in the past month. The Institute for Education hosted its annual summer social at Congressional Country Club, with a book talk by Kiyomi Buker; the Embassy of Monaco celebrated Princess Grace with a special dedication at the Smithsonian Gardens; Meridian International Center welcomed 14 new ambassadors to town; and the Embassy of Switzerland hosted its annual Soirée Suisse.
Nordic diplomacy took a culinary turn in Washington as chefs from Finland, Iceland, Norway, Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Greenland competed in the Great Nordic Cook-Off, showcasing regional ingredients, traditions and creativity. The Faroe Islands took home the top prize with a menu praised for its storytelling and presentation.
South Africa’s new ambassador to the United States, Roelf Meyer, is drawing on decades of political experience to repair strained relations between Washington and Pretoria. His priorities include strengthening trade and investment, addressing disputes over land expropriation and Black Economic Empowerment, and keeping dialogue open on global conflicts.
Luxembourg’s Nicole Bintner-Bakshian was the featured speaker at The Washington Diplomat’s latest Ambassador Insider Series event, held July 15. More than 120 people packed the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Dupont Circle to hear veteran journalist Adrienne Ross interview her at the Diplomat’s signature event.
US-Moroccan relations — from economic, defense and cultural ties, to Washington’s diplomatic backing of Morocco on key regional issues — were central topics at the Embassy’s Throne Day celebration on July 30.
As traditional diplomacy faces growing challenges, sports are emerging as an unexpected but powerful tool for bringing nations together. From the Olympics and FIFA World Cup to basketball and golf, sports diplomacy can build connections, ease tensions and reshape how countries are viewed—while also raising questions about sportswashing and the limits of athletic diplomacy.
Twenty-three female ambassadors gathered at Washington’s historic Willard Hotel to share how they broke barriers, navigated bias, balanced family life and built careers representing their nations at the highest levels of diplomacy.
Diplomats, embassy representatives and cultural organizations gathered at The Wharf, one of 14 host cities for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Hosted by EventsDC at Limani Restaurant, the reception truly brought together the international community.
Djibouti and Rwanda recently celebrated their national days. A new Mexican ambassador arrived in Washington, Roberto Lazzeri. Meridian International Center and Google Arts & Culture partnered to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial.
America is the world’s runaway leader in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), its dominance driven by an abundance of factors, including economic strength, numerous strategic sectors and pro-business policies.
Morocco was the world’s first nation to recognize the United States of America. In December 1777—before the Revolutionary War had been won, before the Constitution had been written, before American power was anything more than ambition —Morocco’s Sultan Mohammed III issued a decree opening Moroccan ports to US ships. It was a quiet signal to the world that he believed the young republic deserved a place among nations.
As the United States and others around the world prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it is important to know how the Revolution has been interpreted and the legacy of this historical drama for America’s future.
Egypt—the largest Arab country with nearly 120 million inhabitants—hasn’t received a single Iranian missile or drone since the start of the war, despite its close ties with Washington. Even so, the war threatens to derail Egypt’s economy, said Motaz Zahran, Cairo’s veteran ambassador to the United States.
Denmark’s Princess Marie was the guest of honor at an annual fashion show hosted April 27 by the Woodrow Wilson House that featured unique garments representing 59 countries from Albania to Zimbabwe.
