Why Diplomacy of the Heart?
A Program of the Baskerville Institute Forging Bonds of Friendship & Promoting Peace in Central Asia and the Middle East
Why Diplomacy of the Heart?
Toward a New Model of Diplomacy
In a world facing increasing polarization and conflict, Diplomacy of the Heart is a program of the Baskerville Institute that offers a compelling alternative—one rooted in shared values rather than competing interests. It invites us to “listen with an open heart,” to approach dialogue not through dominance or persuasion, but with the intent to understand.
Why Global Heartbeat Magazine is Needed Today
In a world increasingly marked by fragmentation—geopolitical tension, cultural misunderstandings—Global Heartbeat emerges as a vital platform to re-center our collective efforts on what matters most: the human connection at the heart of diplomacy, scholarship, and civil society.
This publication is designed to carry forward the mission and insights of the Diplomacy of the Heart conferences. It serves not only as a record of proceedings, but through essays, case studies, interviews, and commentary, Global Heartbeat invites scholars, practitioners, and students to explore their own disciplines—from law to literature, education to economics—through the lens of relational diplomacy, empathy, and ethical responsibility. It encourages contributors to ask: How does my field help us understand, connect, and care for one another across borders?
Global Heartbeat is more than a publication—it is a heartbeat of values we believe are essential to global peace: dignity, justice, compassion, and hope.
Diplomacy of the Heart in Action
Baskerville Institute Digital Friendship (BIDF)
Imagine a world where borders do not limit education—a world where students from Iran and the United States can connect, learn, and share ideas without ever leaving home. The Baskerville Institute Digital Friendship (BIDF) program creates that world.
BIDF is an online platform that gives Iranian students access to select online courses from top U.S. universities. But it’s more than a learning platform—it’s a dynamic, cross-cultural community committed to mutual understanding and knowledge exchange.
Join our digital community and begin your journey toward a brighter, more connected future.
The Baskerville Institute’s Sport & International Friendship Program
The Baskerville Institute’s Sport and International Friendship program embodies the spirit of Diplomacy of the Heart—fostering empathy, respect, and intercultural understanding through the universal language of sport.
At the heart of our initiative is the belief that sport transcends borders, languages, and ideologies. Our Sport Ambassadors cultivate meaningful human connections by creating shared experiences that break down prejudice and build mutual respect. In a world too often divided by difference, the wrestling mat becomes common ground—a space where hearts connect before hands shake.
This program is more than athletic exchange; it is people-to-people diplomacy rooted in dignity, compassion, and the belief that peace begins with personal connection. Through this approach, we aim to inspire a new generation to embrace sport not just as competition, but as a powerful force for global friendship and peace.
Sam Rezaei will serve as our Sports Ambassador for Friendship and Peace from 2024 to 2026. In this role, Sam will participate in various activities and initiatives aimed at strengthening bonds between Americans and Iranians through sports.
As Grand Master Jhoon Rhee said, “The spirit of Taekwondo is one of cooperation and understanding. We train together, compete together, and learn from each other, forging strong bonds of international friendship.”
Join the Baskerville Institute in making the world a better place through Sport and Friendship
The Tenth Anniversary of Olympic Wrestling’s Reinstatement
Nenad Lalovic, President of United World Wrestling (UWW) and a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) The UWW is the international governing body for amateur wrestling and Olympic wrestling. UWW is located in Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland. It was established in 1921. It is responsible for overseeing wrestling at the World Championships and Olympics. Lalovic has been a member of the International Olympic Committee since 2015. Nenad Lalovic’s leadership as President of UWW and as a member of the IOC has been essential to the sport’s growth and expansion.
Andrew F. Barth (Andy) is a retired chairman of Capital Guardian Trust Company. He is a member of the Board of Trustees at Columbia University and the founder of the Titan Mercury Wrestling Club in the United States. The club includes many Olympic medalists as members. He was the team leader for the United States Men’s Freestyle Wrestling Team for the 2016 Olympics in Rio and was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012 as an Outstanding American. Barth was the founding member of the Committee to Preserve Wrestling (CPOW). He has had a significant impact on wrestling’s growth and expansion since 2013. He has been a major contributor to USA Wrestling and the U.S. Olympic Committee.
Adeline Gray is the most decorated female wrestler in the world and the most decorated wrestler in U.S. history. Six-time Senior World Championships gold medalist—the most of any wrestler in U.S. history, regardless of style or gender. Nine-time Senior World Championships medalist—tied for the most in U.S. women’s wrestling history. Most world & Olympic medals of any female Olympic athlete.