Not the Usual Suspects: The Other Nonstate Actors

The rising influence of nonstate actors in the global arena has become a familiar theme over the past decade. But if NGOs and transnational criminal groups are often the focus of attention, they are not the only super-empowered individuals and groups impacting international politics. Moving beyond simple activism, a top-tier group of entertainment personalities is pioneering a new model of celebrity diplomacy. Having changed the way we interact online, the major social media companies are now turning to politics. And in the offices of the "foreign policy industry," think tank analysts shape the debates that shape our world.

Articles in this feature

Beyond Activism: Emerging Models of Celebrity Diplomacy

By Andrew F. Cooper, , Feature

Despite the amplified role of celebrities in global affairs, the notion that celebrities have assumed the role of diplomats is much contested. The classic definition of diplomats as agents of the state and the national interest would appear to exclude celebrities. This restrictive view, however, does not reflect the degree to which at least some celebrities have gained recognition as actors with an elevated standing in world politics. more

Social Media, Inc.: The Global Politics of Big Data

By Ron Deibert, , Feature

Google's recent run-ins with the People's Republic of China are part of an emerging trend in world politics: the growing political importance of the corporate giants that own and operate cyberspace. The decisions these companies take for commercial reasons can end up having political consequences. And even as they flex their political muscles, the corporate behemoths that already control huge swaths of cyberspace are being deputized by governments with more-expansive policing responsibilities. more

Think Tank Tradecraft: The Secret Life of Wonks

By David Shorr, , Feature

Think tank analyst is one of those jobs that can be hard to explain to friends and relatives. Taken together, Washington’s many international affairs institutes could be described as the American foreign policy “industry.” And the role of the analysts who work in this industry is to scrutinize the myriad official actions of the world’s governments, with an eye not only to explaining them, but to influencing them as well. more

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