First-of-its-kind interactive tool visualizes global engagement by U.S. cities and states

July 25, 2024, Washington, DC - The Truman Center announced today the launch of the Multilevel Diplomacy Map, an interactive tool visualizing more than 3,000 unique engagements by U.S. cities and states with foreign partners.

Across scores of American cities and all 50 states, this first-of-its-kind interactive map captures the formal and informal engagements developed by local government leaders—including mayors, governors, their senior staff, and public agencies—with foreign governments.

This tool underscores how these international connections bring opportunities, expertise, and resources to American communities on issues as diverse as creating jobs, managing migration, strengthening democracy, and addressing climate change.

The interactive map is a groundbreaking resource for U.S. local governments to enhance their international engagement. It will also help businesses, universities, and federal agencies understand the forces driving U.S. cities’ and states’ international engagement, so they can support those efforts.

“This innovative tool shows how the international engagement of cities and states contributes to U.S. prosperity and national security,” said Max Bouchet, Truman’s Deputy Director for City and State Diplomacy. “These locally-driven relationships exemplify U.S. global leadership. They strengthen America’s diplomatic impact and returns for citizens. Their focus on cooperation projects America’s image at its best.”

“Diplomacy led by governors, mayors and other local leaders is an essential component of American foreign policy,” said Jon Temin, Truman’s Vice President of Policy & Programs. “In times of domestic political uncertainty, these relationships are a vital stabilizing layer in America's global engagement.”

The interactive map is available to the public here. It will be updated with new data on a rolling basis.

If you are a city or state official and would like to submit data for the interactive map, please do so here.  Questions and feedback on the interactive map can be submitted here.

This interactive map was made possible by a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York. The statements made and views expressed are solely the responsibility of the author(s).