Meridian Launches the New Architects of American Influence, a Recognition for the Builders of U.S. Global Power
As traditional channels of diplomacy narrow, Meridian will name 25 leaders building American influence through capital, technology, culture, and partnership — with honorees unveiled at the 15th Annual Meridian Summit
Submit a Nomination
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, DC — As traditional channels of American diplomatic engagement have narrowed over the past few decades, a different kind of influence is doing the work formal diplomacy used to do alone. From AI infrastructure deals brokered with Gulf sovereign funds, to private critical minerals partnerships, to independent university research agreements, a new kind of diplomacy is expanding America’s reach—reshaping how the nation competes, collaborates, and connects. Meridian International Center today announced nominations are open for The New Architects of American Influence, the inaugural, annual ranked recognition of twenty-five leaders whose work this year is strengthening America's partnerships, sharpening its competitive edge, and shaping how the United States is understood around the world.
Nominations open July 22 and close August 10, 2026. Individuals and organizations around the world are invited to submit a candidate; all nominations will be reviewed by Meridian's Selection Committee. Honorees will be announced at the 15th Annual Meridian Summit on October 16.
"For most of history, diplomacy moved through embassies and treaties—negotiated by governments, in official channels. That still matters. But it's not the whole picture anymore," said The Honorable David Bohigian, CEO of Meridian International Center. "Today, many systems the world depends on are often being built by people working outside government: a concept called Open Diplomacy. Meridian has convened the people shaping American engagement with the world for more than six decades. The New Architects of American Influence is a natural extension of that work."
Who Qualifies
Nominees are evaluated on their influence across four sectors: Business and investment; sports and culture; technology and innovation; and state and local leadership. Within these sectors, nominees are evaluated based on the nature, scale, and timing of their contributions, using four guiding criteria: Full criteria are available at leadership.meridian.org. The strongest nominations cite specific achievements from the last year and is grounded in measurable action: a named partnership, investment, market, platform, initiative, or breakthrough
How to Nominate
Nominations open July 22. Each submission requires the nominee's name, title, organization, and sector, along with a 250-word case for how their work has connected the United States to the world in a way that matters right now.
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Media Contact
Danielle Najjar
Senior Director, Communications & Marketing
Dnajjar@meridian.org; communications@meridian.org
About Meridian International Center
Meridian is a nonpartisan center for diplomacy founded in 1960 and headquartered on a historic campus in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to empower leaders to advance the next era of diplomacy for a better future. Our programs strengthen American leadership by accelerating collaboration on shared challenges, increasing economic competitiveness, and building geopolitical resilience. We equip leaders from business, science and technology, cities and states, culture and sports with the insights, networks, and resources to navigate a complex world.