people-as-mediators

The chapter introduces 'Citizen Diplomats: Pathfinders in Soviet-American Relations' by Gale Warner and Michael Shuman, focusing on the role of independent American citizens who engaged directly with Soviet people to improve bilateral relations during the Cold War. It highlights the limitations of official diplomacy and government-controlled information, emphasizing the need for ordinary people to break the cycle of fear and hostility through person-to-person exchanges. The chapter sets the stage for exploring how citizen diplomacy can challenge ideological barriers and foster mutual understanding despite the entrenched superpower rivalry and nuclear arms race.