How secret meetings in New York birthed modern global diplomacy

Society · Published 19 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Before World War I, international relations was mostly the exclusive domain of rulers and elites. The devastation of the Great War shifted this, sparking a belief that every citizen deserved to understand foreign policy. This transition paved the way for independent think tanks to shape how nations interact today.

The field of international relations emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the need for less-dangerous ways to manage interactions between governments and economies. Unlike the Soviet Union, where Marxist ideology stultified academic inquiry, Western scholarship flourished on the belief that systematic observation could dispel ignorance. This movement was fueled by an increasing demand for public oversight of military and foreign policy, moving these matters from secret archives into the realm of general education.

The intellectual roots of this shift can be traced to U.S. President Woodrow Wilson's 1913–21 program. His 'Fourteen Points' called for "open covenants of peace" to replace the secret treaties that many believed caused World War I. To prepare for a postwar settlement, Wilson established 'The Inquiry' in September 1917—a fellowship of about 150 scholars tasked with briefing him on global political and economic facts. This group produced over 2,000 documents that formed the basis for his peace strategy.

While some diplomats attempted to form a joint institute in Paris in May 1919, American isolationism hindered their progress. Consequently, focus shifted back to discreet meetings in New York City that had begun in June 1918 under the name 'Council on Foreign Relations'. Led by former Secretary of State Elihu Root, these early gatherings included 108 high-ranking officers from banking, manufacturing, and finance companies. Founded formally in 1921, the Council became an independent nonpartisan think tank dedicated to promoting worldwide understanding of international relations.

Today, the organization serves as a hub for analysis rather than taking specific policy positions. It sponsors research involving world leaders and intellectuals across disciplines like political science, economics, and law. By convening government officials and global business leaders, it continues the legacy of moving foreign affairs from the shadows into a structured, scholarly framework.

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