Diplomatic Immunity

Interview with Liam Karr — 28:50 This week, Kelly and Tristan cover the recent rounds of summit diplomacy between Presidents Trump and Putin and subsequent meetings with European leaders, the recent moves in Somaliland's quest for recognition, and the new settlements in the West Bank approved by Israel's finance minister. Kelly is then joined by Liam Karr of the Critical Threats Project for an update on the DRC-Rwanda peace process. Liam Karr is the Africa Team Lead at the Critical Threats Projects at the American Enterprise Institute. His team uses open-source intelligence to closely map the status of various conflicts from the Sahel and West Africa through to Sudan and the current conflict between Rwanda-backed rebels, known as M23, and the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. See more of Liam's work at the Critical Threats Project here: https://www.criticalthreats.org/team/liam-karr The opinions expressed in this conversation are strictly those of the participants and do not represent the views of Georgetown University or any government entity. Produced by Abdalla Nasef and Freddie Mallinson.  Recorded on August 26, 2025. Diplomatic Immunity, a podcast from the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, brings you frank and candid conversations with experts on the issues facing diplomats and national security decision-makers around the world. Funding support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. For more, visit our website, and follow us on Linkedin, Twitter @GUDiplomacy, and Instagram @isd.georgetown

Interview with Dr. Sophal Ear: 25:30 This week, Kelly and Tristan examine the backsliding of democracy in El Salvador and analyze the regional implications for President Bukele's political crackdown. They then explore Trump's escalating tariff war with India, which threatens to undermine the partnership between the world's two largest democracies. Next, they explore Japan's landmark $6.5 billion naval deal with Australia and what this historic sale signals for the efforts to counter China's presence in the Indo-Pacific. The episode concludes with Arizona State University Professor Dr. Sophal Ear joining Kelly to discuss the recent ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia and how the centuries-old dispute led to a five-day armed conflict. Dr. Sophal Ear is a tenured Associate Professor at Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management, where he teaches global political economy, international organizations, and regional management in Asia. His global experience includes consulting for the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, serving with the UNDP in East Timor, and holding leadership roles with Leopard Capital, the Nathan Cummings Foundation, SEARAC, and the Southeast Asia Development Program. He is the author of Viral Sovereignty and the Political Economy of Pandemics and Aid Dependence in Cambodia, and co-author of The Hungry Dragon. A graduate of Princeton and Berkeley, Dr. Ear came to the U.S. as a Cambodian refugee from France at age 10. Link to Viral Sovereignty and the Political Economy of Pandemics and Aid Dependence in Cambodia: https://www.routledge.com/Viral-Sovereignty-and-the-Political-Economy-of-Pandemics-What-Explains-How-Countries-Handle-Outbreaks/Ear/p/book/9781032133904?srsltid=AfmBOopGvH8ntwZwymgLaBYkSEo4M3bBDao9D0Z689sUYeHiutYZxC85 The opinions expressed in this conversation are strictly those of the participants and do not represent the views of Georgetown University or any government entity. Produced by Theo Malhotra and Freddie Mallinson.  Recorded on August 12, 2025. Diplomatic Immunity, a podcast from the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, brings you frank and candid conversations with experts on the issues facing diplomats and national security decision-makers around the world. Funding support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. For more, visit our website, and follow us on Linkedin, Twitter @GUDiplomacy, and Instagram @isd.georgetown

This week, Kelly talks with Council on Foreign Relations Senior Fellow Ebenezer Obadare about Nigeria's growing security and economic challenges under President Bola Tinubu. Ebenezer discusses how the country is facing escalating violence from Boko Haram, growing political instability, and widespread economic hardship. Obadare also highlights Nigeria's tremendous diplomatic potential and why it could become the U.S.'s most important ally in Africa. Ebenezer Obadare is the Douglas Dillon senior fellow for Africa studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. Before joining CFR, he was professor of sociology at the University of Kansas, Lawrence. He is also a senior fellow at the New York University School of Professional Studies Center for Global Affairs, and a fellow at the University of South Africa’s Institute of Theology. Author of numerous works on civil society and the state, and religion and politics in Africa, his most recent book, published by the University of Notre Dame Press, is titled Pastoral Power, Clerical State: Pentecostalism, Gender, and Sexuality in Nigeria. His next book, The Nigerian Century, will be published by Oxford University Press. Link to Pastoral Power, Clerical State: https://undpress.nd.edu/9780268203146/pastoral-power-clerical-state/  The opinions expressed in this conversation are strictly those of the participants and do not represent the views of Georgetown University or any government entity. Produced by Theo Malhotra and Freddie Mallinson.  Recorded on July 21, 2025. Diplomatic Immunity, a podcast from the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, brings you frank and candid conversations with experts on the issues facing diplomats and national security decision-makers around the world. Funding support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. For more, visit our website, and follow us on Linkedin, Twitter @GUDiplomacy, and Instagram @isd.georgetown

This week, Kelly talks with International Crisis Group Analyst Elizabeth Dickinson about the surge in cartel-driven violence in Colombia and how USAID cuts have impacted the country. Elizabeth discusses how criminal groups have filled the vacuum left by FARC's demobilization in 2016, leading to the highest coca cultivation levels in Colombia's history and a surge in political instability that is testing the country's democratic institutions. Elizabeth Dickinson has been Crisis Group’s Senior Analyst for Colombia since 2019, based in Bogotá. Her work centers around armed conflict dynamics in the country, organised crime, military strategy, and the implementation of the 2016 peace accord between the Colombian government and militant guerrillas. She leads ongoing work around defence strategy reform and regional drug trafficking. Prior to joining International Crisis Group, Elizabeth worked for a decade as a journalist, including roles at Foreign Policy magazine, The National and The Economist. The opinions expressed in this conversation are strictly those of the participants and do not represent the views of Georgetown University or any government entity. Produced by Theo Malhotra and Freddie Mallinson.  Recorded on July 9, 2025. Diplomatic Immunity, a podcast from the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, brings you frank and candid conversations with experts on the issues facing diplomats and national security decision-makers around the world. Funding support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. For more, visit our website, and follow us on Linkedin, Twitter @GUDiplomacy, and Instagram @isd.georgetown

This week, Kelly and Tristan look back on the United Nations as it marks its 80th anniversary, reflecting on its evolution from the failed League of Nations and assessing its future challenges, including Security Council reform. They also analyze the recent NATO summit, exploring how European allies have managed the alliance's relationship with President Trump around defense spending commitments and Article 5 guarantees. Finally, they discuss recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and how the exposure of Iran's vulnerabilities could impact future nuclear talks. The opinions expressed in this conversation are strictly those of the participants and do not represent the views of Georgetown University or any government entity. Produced by Theo Malhotra and Freddie Mallinson.  Recorded on June 30, 2025. Diplomatic Immunity, a podcast from the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, brings you frank and candid conversations with experts on the issues facing diplomats and national security decision-makers around the world. Funding support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. For more, visit our website, and follow us on Linkedin, Twitter @GUDiplomacy, and Instagram @isd.georgetown

Kelly talks with Andrew Preston about his new book, Total Defense: The New Deal and the Invention of National Security. Preston explores how FDR revolutionized national security policy by connecting domestic New Deal programs to global defense strategies. Andrew Preston is a Professor of American History based at Clare College, Cambridge, where he focuses on the ideas and concepts that shape America's behavior in the world at both the elite and popular levels. He will shortly take up the Lyons Brown Jr. Distinguished Professor in Diplomacy and Statecraft at the University of Virginia. Andrew won the 2013 Charles Taylor Prize for his book Sword of the Spirit, Shield of Faith: Religion in American War and Diplomacy.  Link to Total Defense: The New Deal and the Invention of National Security: https://www.amazon.com/Total-Defense-Invention-National-Security-ebook/dp/B0DNND17B7  The opinions expressed in this conversation are strictly those of the participants and do not represent the views of Georgetown University or any government entity. Produced by Theo Malhotra and Freddie Mallinson.  Recorded on June 24, 2025. Diplomatic Immunity, a podcast from the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, brings you frank and candid conversations with experts on the issues facing diplomats and national security decision-makers around the world. Funding support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. For more, visit our website, and follow us on Linkedin, Twitter @GUDiplomacy, and Instagram @isd.georgetown

Kelly talks with Yvonnick Denoël about his new book, Vatican Spies: From the Second World War to Pope Francis, exploring the Vatican's little-known intelligence operations. Yvonnick is a French historian, publisher and intelligence specialist who has written on the CIA, Mossad, and espionage in the twentieth century. His new book uncovers a little-known side of Vatican history that saw the Holy See develop its own extensive espionage capability that still exists today. Link to Vatican Spies: From the Second World War to Pope Francis: https://www.amazon.com/Vatican-Spies-Second-World-Francis-ebook/dp/B0DNZVX2VS?ref_=ast_author_mpb  The opinions expressed in this conversation are strictly those of the participants and do not represent the views of Georgetown University or any government entity. Produced by Theo Malhotra and Freddie Mallinson.  Recorded on June 9, 2025. Diplomatic Immunity, a podcast from the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, brings you frank and candid conversations with experts on the issues facing diplomats and national security decision-makers around the world. Funding support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. For more, visit our website, and follow us on Linkedin, Twitter @GUDiplomacy, and Instagram @isd.georgetown

Interview with David Mora on Mexico's Judicial Elections: 27:20 This week, Kelly and Tristen unpack key elections in Poland and South Korea, and examine the growing reach of an Al-Qaeda affiliate in West Africa. Kelly then sits down with David Mora to explore Mexico’s recent judicial elections and their implications for Mexican democracy and U.S.-Mexico relations. David Mora is the Senior Analyst for Mexico at the International Crisis Group. David researches organised crime, violence, corruption and conflict in the country, blending fieldwork and investigative reporting tools. He analyses and formulates policy strategies aimed at preventing, mitigating or resolving conflict. Originally an investigative reporter and documentary producer, David has eight years of experience in journalism, working for VICE News, NBC News, ProPublica and The Atlantic. His coverage of migration, criminal violence and corruption in Mexico has been recognised with some of the most prestigious journalism awards in the United States. Before doing journalism, he worked as a human rights researcher for different civil society groups in Mexico. The opinions expressed in this conversation are strictly those of the participants and do not represent the views of Georgetown University or any government entity. Produced by Theo Malhotra and Freddie Mallinson.  Recorded on June 10, 2025. Diplomatic Immunity, a podcast from the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, brings you frank and candid conversations with experts on the issues facing diplomats and national security decision-makers around the world. Funding support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. For more, visit our website, and follow us on Linkedin, Twitter @GUDiplomacy, and Instagram @isd.georgetown

Kelly talks with Amitav Acharya about his new book The Once and Future World Order and the deep roots of global civilization beyond the West. They explore why the recent decline of American dominance doesn’t mean collapse, but a chance to build a more just, inclusive global system. Amitav Acharya is the UNESCO Chair in Transnational Challenges and Governance and Distinguished Professor at the School of International Service, American University, Washington, DC. Previously he was a Professor at York University, Toronto and at the University of Bristol in the UK. His essays have appeared in International Organization, International Security, International Studies Quarterly, Journal of Asian Studies, Foreign Affairs magazine, and has written op-eds for the New York Times, the Financial Times, the Washington Post, and many others. His most recent book, The Once and Future World Order: Why Global Civilization Will Survive the Decline of the West was published in April 2025.  Link to The Once and Future World Order: https://www.amazon.com/Once-Future-World-Order-Civilization/dp/1541604148  The opinions expressed in this conversation are strictly those of the participants and do not represent the views of Georgetown University or any government entity. Produced by Theo Malhotra and Freddie Mallinson.  Recorded on May 29, 2025. Diplomatic Immunity, a podcast from the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, brings you frank and candid conversations with experts on the issues facing diplomats and national security decision-makers around the world. Funding support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. For more, visit our website, and follow us on Linkedin, Twitter @GUDiplomacy, and Instagram @isd.georgetown

Interview with Mona Yacoubian on Trump's Middle East Visit: 25:55 This week, Kelly and Tristen discuss President Trump’s meeting with the President of South Africa, give an update on the war in Ukraine, and unpack the UK’s new trade agreement with the European Union. Kelly then talks with Mona Yacoubian for a breakdown on Trump's recent trip to the Middle East, and what the visit means for American foreign policy in the region. Mona Yacoubian is the Senior Adviser and Director of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. She was previously the Vice President of the Middle East and North Africa center at the United States Institute of Peace. Prior to joining USIP, Mona was Deputy Assistant Administrator in the Middle East Bureau at the United States Agency for International Development from 2014 to 2017, where she had responsibility for Iraq, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. Mona also previously served as the North Africa analyst in the State Department's Bureau of Intelligence and Research. The opinions expressed in this conversation are strictly those of the participants and do not represent the views of Georgetown University or any government entity. Produced by Theo Malhotra and Freddie Mallinson.  Recorded on May 22, 2025. Diplomatic Immunity, a podcast from the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, brings you frank and candid conversations with experts on the issues facing diplomats and national security decision-makers around the world. Funding support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. For more, visit our website, and follow us on Linkedin, Twitter @GUDiplomacy, and Instagram @isd.georgetown