Judging Freedom AMB. Charles Freeman: Diplomacy Failing.
Apr 15, 2025
In a riveting discussion, Charles Freeman, a former U.S. Ambassador and expert in foreign policy, unpacks the failures of contemporary diplomacy. He highlights the internal divisions during the Trump administration and the challenges faced in negotiations with figures like Putin, stressing the importance of historical context. Freeman critiques power-driven tactics, advocating for empathy and cultural understanding in diplomatic engagements. He also examines the repercussions of NATO expansion on Russian security, emphasizing the complexities of U.S. roles in Ukraine and the Middle East.
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Trump's Divided Team
- Trump's foreign policy team seems divided between neocons and America Firsters.
- The administration appears incoherent due to this division.
Witkoff's Negotiation
- Steve Witkoff, though a novice in diplomacy, is Trump's lead negotiator on Ukraine and Iran.
- Witkoff spent five hours with Putin, hinting at broader negotiations beyond Ukraine.
Diplomacy and Empathy
- Diplomacy requires empathy and understanding the other side's perspective.
- Trump's bullying tactics are counterproductive in negotiations.