Welcome to Backchannel

A new platform for commentary, intelligence, and analysis on international climate diplomacy, geopolitics, and the energy transition.

Experts will tell you: ‘The purpose of backchannel diplomacy is typically to facilitate sensitive negotiations, explore potential agreements, build trust, or manage conflicts in a more discreet and flexible manner.’

We believe that climate diplomacy and the energy transition are the critical stories of our time, so we’re committed to shining a light on these diplomatic backchannels and bringing them to the fore.

Backchannel will feature essays, analysis, and curated dispatches with an informed but accessible tone. Each piece aims to provoke thought and deliver fresh analysis, not just summarise existing positions.

You can expect to hear from veteran climate diplomats, business leaders, think tankers working in the liminal and grey areas between government and advocacy, and energy experts working on the frontline.

If you want to contribute, you can submit ideas to editorial@backchannel.com. We welcome pieces that explore new ideas, focus on specific countries, and are written clearly and accessibly.

We can offer light-touch editorial guidance. Contributions are typically 700-800 words, and we work on a 1-2 week lead time.