This paper discusses the motivation, history and proposed further development of the "Friends and Partners Internet-based information system jointly developed by citizens of the US and Russia for the express purpose of fostering community and working partnership between individuals and organizations from the United States and countries of the Former Soviet Union. The initiative demonstrates through a variety of globally distributed information and communications services how the rapidly evolving Global Information Infrastructure (GII) can be used by and between our countries to promote education, eco- nomic development, joint research initiatives, new exchange programs, and new partnerships. It is a good example of how the Internet, itself rooted in the Cold War separating our nations. can provide effective means of bringing our citizens together. Success in the effort's first year is evidenced by the growing community itself and growing use of the information services: by the participation of people and organizations throughout the world: and by the helpful sponsorship of NATO. Sun Microsystems. the International Science Foundation and the Russian RELARN organization. The authors hope that 'telling the story' behind its development might be enlightening for others - both in terms of what we have learned about the capabilities and limitations of the Internet for supporting such international services, but also the challenges of working across traditionally difficult geographic, political and cultural boundaries.