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Photo: Walter Huang [1], CC BY 2.0
The detention of a serving US army soldier by North Korea after he crossed the heavily-fortified border from South Korea without permission has further escalated the already tense geopolitical relations between the two countries.
If history tells us anything, this will likely be a drawn out and complicated political struggle between two countries not willing to give the other an inch in negotiations.
Is it time to call Dennis Rodman?
What is often missing from conversations over diplomacy is how the power and influence of athletes and influential figures can often transcend traditional boundaries.
Kim Kardashian and Dennis Rodman both excel at leveraging and getting their better results than seasoned lawyers and diplomats.
Both are renowned in their respective fields, have showcased the remarkable potential of influence in shaping public opinion, galvanizing support, and even gaining access to the highest levels of government.
What gets lost by traditionalists who often scoff and try to play the respectability game is how both have gone about getting their influence and respect. But does it actually matter? Don't we play to win the game? Especially since those who play fair often have no chance of winning.
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Through their high-profile efforts in securing the release of prisoners and advocating for reform, these influencers have become catalysts for change, challenging the conventional roles of lawyers and diplomats in bringing about impactful transformations.
Dennis Rodman might seem an unlikely diplomat, but his involvement in North Korea highlights the extraordinary power of influence in diplomacy. Despite his unconventional methods, Rodman successfully facilitated communication between North Korea and the United States, aiming to reduce tensions and promote peace. On several occasions, he met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and his influence played a role in securing the release of American citizens held in North Korea.
Time: Dennis Rodman Says He Helped Secure Kenneth Bae's Release from North Korea
Kim Kardashian, a reality TV star and influencer, has emerged as an unexpected champion of criminal justice reform. Using her massive social media following and celebrity status, Kardashian has been instrumental in securing the release of several wrongly convicted individuals. Her involvement in the case of Alice Marie Johnson, who was serving a life sentence for a nonviolent drug offense, garnered national attention and led to a successful plea for clemency from President Donald Trump. Kardashian's advocacy has sparked conversations about systemic issues, pushing for policy changes and shining a light on the inequities of the criminal justice system.
While Dennis Rodman's unorthodox diplomacy and Kim Kardashian's advocacy may raise eyebrows, their impact cannot be denied. These influencers have demonstrated that influence can be a potent tool in both diplomacy and criminal justice reform, often surpassing the traditional paths taken by diplomats and lawyers. The ability to access audiences and platforms that are typically out of reach for professionals in these fields gives influencers like Kardashian and Rodman the opportunity to mobilize public support and effect meaningful change.
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The extraordinary impact of Kim Kardashian and Dennis Rodman in diplomacy and criminal justice reform underscores the unparalleled power of influence in today's interconnected world. As they continue to use their platforms to advocate for critical issues and challenge established norms, the role of influencers in shaping public discourse and policy reforms will undoubtedly remain a defining feature of modern advocacy.
By recognizing the potential of influence to drive change and transcend conventional boundaries, society can harness the power of these unconventional diplomats and advocates for the greater good.
The job should always go to the person who's able to get the best results, not the person with the highest title.
