Hi there, Meridian Readers — we’re back and better than ever. A lot happened in the diplomatic community while we were gone, so let’s dive in and catch up. What Happens If the 2020 Election Is a Tie? Publication: The Atlantic | By Norm Ornstein We get it. It feels like 2019 just started, you’re thiiiis close to using that gym membership you signed up for on January 1– but it’s already time to look ahead to 2020. Because politics. Polls are already suggesting the 2020 presidential election will be neck and neck, and may result in a tie....

There’s only a few days left before the holiday weekend, Meridian Readers. Hang in there. You got this. Now, let’s chat about diplomacy. Iran slams new US sanctions, says they mean end of diplomacy Publication: CNBC | From The Associated Press We know we talked about Iran last week, but tensions between the U.S. and the Middle Eastern country haven’t eased. On June 24, President Trump hit Iran with new sanctions against Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his associates. U.S. officials also said they planned sanctions against Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Yikes. Who’s not so thrilled about these...

Meridian implements the Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP) on behalf of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Each year, this dynamic youth leadership program engages 150 African high school students and adult mentors from across Africa for a three week U.S.-based training and cultural exchange. PAYLP is a chance for participants to learn and refine leadership and public speaking skills, but the lasting impact of the program is widely seen once participants return home. Below are few of stories of PAYLP alumni who have transformed their communities since completing the program. Cathrine Muradzika |...

It’s Sunday, Meridian Readers! You know what that means, it’s time to jump into this week’s roundup of diplomatic news. We hope you had a great first weekend of summer, now let’s get started. India uses yoga diplomacy to assert rising global influence Publication: ABC News | By Emily Schmall & Mariya Amrayeva Downward dog diplomacy? That’s an alliteration we’re here for. Here’s the scoop: Prime Minister Narendra Modi successfully lobbied the United Nations to designate June 21 International Yoga Day. “Let our motto be yoga for peace, harmony and progress,” Modi said before beginning an hour-long yoga sesh....

Happy Sunday, Meridian Readers! It’s about that time, so let’s jump into this week’s #MeridianReads… A retreat from diplomacy: drones and the militarization of foreign policy Publication: International Policy Digest | By Diana Roy Technology is advancing, duh. But what does that mean for the dynamics of war? It’s not just men on horses with rifles anymore. Armed forces now have drones, nuclear weapons and more at their disposal. This piece mainly dives into unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which allows the U.S. to pursue terrorists remotely with greater precision, increase the number of potential targets and damage, and limit...