Our History
2023
In April Track Two convened a gathering at Esalen on the Ukraine War, bringing together participants from both Russia and Ukraine, some working in the war zones. The conference provided a safe place for deep, intimate, at times challenging discussion to take place. Perspectives shifted; insights were gained; and collaborations were initiated.
Track Two recommitted to weekly curation of resources on the Ukraine War, providing varied perspectives and vital news to our network on the war’s effect on both Russia and Ukraine, and the greater geopolitical system. Following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, curation expanded to include coverage of the Israel-Hamas War.
Work continued on the History Project, an effort to chronicle Track Two’s illustrious history from the late 1970’s that traces the enduring nature of our citizen diplomacy with - and despite - the vicissitudinous nature of political relationships between countries and peoples in our program areas. More than forty in-depth interviews were completed, a draft for a book is underway, and videos and podcasts are in the works for 2024. All seek to unlock the mysterious capacity of Track Two’s diplomacy.
One Network, our program to connect participants across our regions of work, spawned several cross-border projects: a prize for Ukrainian and Russian journalists; climate working groups; arts and literary collaborations, and ongoing appreciation for our human potential. These offer new solutions for old and seemingly intractable geopolitics.
Collaborative outcomes emerged and matured following Oceans 22, a project launched in 2022 to unite scientists and negotiators on oceanic marine protections. The crucial goal of this effort is to maintain and strengthen these relationships in a climate that’s seen work to secure oceanic protections thwarted by political resistance. One group has been working with biologists from Russia and China on ocean climate solutions. In December, another group - including a Track Two team member - convened in Turkey to further these discussions and efforts.