Rodman isn't an official envoy for the U.S., and his initiative wasn't endorsed by the State Department. But there are signs that basketball diplomacy could work to ease tensions between the U.S. and the temperamental Kim family that has ruled North Korea since 1948. Traveling with a small entourage, Rodman was able to spend time with Kim Jong-un, building on an unusual friendship they began during Rodman's first visit in February. He also broke news that the North Korean leader has a baby daughter.

While the State Department declined to comment on Rodman's overseas activities, National Geographic asked Susan Pittman, who works with the department's bureau of educational and cultural affairs, about how sports diplomacy works—and when it has