

American Diplomat
Ambassador (Retired) Pete Romero and Writer/Producer Laura Bennett
American Diplomat goes behind the scenes to hear real stories from diplomats who lived newsworthy events overseas. Experience the Cuban revolution, Central American insurgencies, the end of apartheid and more through the eyes of those who were there. A project of Arizona State University.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 11, 2025 • 51min
Venezuela: Be Careful What You Wish For
Imagine a free and prosperous Venezuela. What would it take? We take you to a simulated White House Situation Room with diplomat and Venezuela expert Brian Naranjo. Are you ready for some ground truth?

Dec 4, 2025 • 34min
Milei: Man or Maniac?
The chainsaw was one thing. But the dog economists? Either way, $20billion is a nice bailout package for Argentina. Senior State Department economist Rich Sanders unpacks life in Argentina today, for their eccentric-in-chief and for the Argentine populace.

Nov 27, 2025 • 50min
From Harlem Hellfighters to The Jazz Ambassadors - A Tale of Hope
Mike Peay, a State Department lawyer and jazz pianist, dives into the fascinating world of cultural diplomacy through jazz. He discusses the Harlem Hellfighters' role in introducing jazz to Europe and how jazz musicians like Louis Armstrong navigated complex racial dynamics while promoting American values abroad. Peay highlights the motivations of these artists, their impactful tours across various continents, and how candid conversations about racial injustice enhanced America's soft power. A compelling blend of music history and social impact!

Nov 20, 2025 • 50min
Space: Catching Up to the 21st Century
There are no embassies in space, so why diplomacy? Space is everywhere on earth – in financial transactions, food supplies, GPS – and it is key to hybrid warfare, particularly in US competition with China. Space demands agreements before conflicts get hot. Major General Brook Leonard is back to help us understand the facts and the strategic implications.

Nov 13, 2025 • 34min
The Discord Rebellion - Nepal
Nepalese democracy is strong but its economy is not. Social platforms gave voice to the aggrieved. When the government threatened access, young folks got down to business, and they got it done. How? Amb. Peter Bodde unpacks.

Nov 6, 2025 • 39min
We'll Be Back
Senator/Ambassador Jeff Flake, one of POTUS' first targets, tells us why he believes that inclusiveness will win in the US and beyond.

Oct 30, 2025 • 26min
The Insurrection Act: Can the Courts Stop Trump?
POTUS has wide discretion in sending the standing military into American streets. Public and international law expert John Bellinger examines what our courts will do if he tries to deploy them.

Oct 23, 2025 • 28min
POTUS Attacks Venezuelan Soil…So what?
Ex-National Security Council lawyer John Bellinger takes us into a hypothetical White House Situation Room to advise on the shaky legal grounds for any future attacks on Venezuela. Does Trump care?

Oct 16, 2025 • 35min
The Gaza Peace Plan: What Could Go Wrong?
Amb. Patrick Theros is back to parse just how the Gaza Peace Plan will likely unfold and why Trump will have to marshal his inner Tony Soprano to get it done.

Oct 9, 2025 • 30min
The Most Dangerous Place to be in DC?
Between Trump and the Nobel Peace Prize. Israel's Bibi crossed a redline with his attack on Qatar. The fabulously knowledgeable Amb. Patrick Theros parses this moment and its significance.


