The "Norwegian weather balloon incident" the president mentions to the Russian ambassador is based on a real incident in 1995 known as the "Black Brant Scare". Norwegian notifications on a scientific rocket launch were not passed on in the Russian command-and-control system, and an early warning radar station incorrectly identified it as a submarine launching a Trident missile. As a result, Russian forces briefly entered the highest state of readiness, one step away from nuclear retaliation.
President Clinton allowed use of his President's Box at the Kennedy Center for scenes in this episode.
The role of the secretive Russian ambassador is played by Londoner Charlotte Cornwell, the real life sister of celebrated Cold War spy novelist John le Carré.
Leo McGarry (John Spencer) tells the President of Iceland's Ambassador, Vigdis Olafsdottir, that "he's very excited to meet you." But Icelandic surnames are formed from the father's first name plus "-son" or "-dottir", so a name finishing in "dottir" is always a woman's name. Also, Vigdis is a female forename.
The storyline about President Bartlett not liking green beans was inspired by President George H. W. Bush who famously banned broccoli from the White House.