American Diplomat

Who coined that term anyway? It's true, there have been insults and lots of them. Why? Secretary of State Tony Blinken will visit China this weekend and Susan Thornton, Senior Fellow at Yale University Law School's Paul Tsai China Center and former US diplomat, joins us with her perspective on the complexities of China's diplomacy today.  

All of us belong, even at State. In honor of Pride Month, we again offer the generously told story of Austin Richey-Allen, who recounts his story of gender transition while serving as a US diplomat. From his gender transition to his leadership of GLIFA, Austin shares his experience for the benefit not only of the LGBTQ community, but for all of us who value a more inclusive world.  

24 hours news TV totally changed the State Department comms staple, the cable. Pete hopped on the “wireless” to save a democracy and Amb. John Feeley connected with Panamanians using ridiculous (but very sweet) Facebook videos.  Disruptive technologies including AI will never replace human trust, but they create opportunity for better diplomacy.

By listener request, Pete and Laura have binged the Netflix show The Diplomat. Pete answers:  How real is it? Laura answers (even though no one actually asked): How good is it? But importantly, how easy is it to make a story that mirrors real-life complexity and still moves and rolls and satisfies purely from the standpoint of story craft?

In last Sunday’s election, President Erdogan received almost half of the vote, but not enough to be the winner - yet.  How does he hold onto power?  Turkey’s economy is in great peril and journalists are in prison while Erdogan dismantles democratic institutions.  Is Erdogan, like many other autocratic leaders, a narcissist?  Or is there more to understand about him?  And if he does prevail in the May 28 runoff, what will be the impacts on Turkish lives and global geopolitics?

Say what?  "Reforms?"  Or simply a way for Netanyahu to skirt the law and consolidate power?  True, some felt that the Israeli court had abused its power, but is it a coincidence that Netanyahu faced charges of corruption and abuse of public trust, against which these new reforms would protect him? The Israeli government has few checks. Neuter the courts, and there's only one organ of power, an unchecked parliament.  

Years ago, many wondered what had become the purpose of NATO.  Not anymore!  General Doug Lute, former US Permanent Representative to NATO (also former Deputy National Security Adviser) brings us up-to-date on the significance of the organization's acceptance of Finland, rejection of Sweden, relationship with Ukraine, and role in global geopolitics since its inception.  This year NATO will be 75 years old!  Ready to retire?  No way.

Today we are reposting one of our most informative episodes on China, which Laura often thinks of when analyzing today's global news:  Why does the West find China so confounding in matters of business and diplomacy? Phil Shull, retired Foreign Agricultural Service officer, explains: China’s culture and history may be best understood by its written character for “population”, which is comprised of symbols for “person” and “mouth”.  Chinese don’t ask, “How’s it going?” but instead, “Have you eaten today?” For more, read Phil’s article, Dealing with the Dragon, in the Foreign Service Journal, at this link: https://www.afsa.org/dealing-dragon  

Wait a sec!  Diplomacy is between countries, right? So why does State have a whole office for City and State Diplomacy? Ambassador Nina Hachigian, head of this brand new office, introduces this innovation in diplomacy. Often transnational issues such as economic inequality, climate change, pandemic response, and threats to democracy are felt in cities first, and cities often find solutions most quickly. The upcoming Cities Summit of the Americas in Denver will host thousands of representatives from cities and states, who will share powerful solutions to global challenges.  

On April 26, President Biden will host the second state dinner of his presidency, with President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea.  Why is this only the second one of Biden's presidency?  Why is South Korea so important for US interests?  What are the economic and political pressures in Asia that impact South Korea that so impact the United States?  When and why did we enter, 70 years ago, into the U.S.-South Korea alliance, to be celebrated at this state dinner?  Ambassador and Korea expert Kathy Stevens joins us to explain.