American Diplomat
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.
Latest episodes
Apr 28, 2022 • 30min
Encore: Desiree Cormier – Africa and Tijuana
Bringing Europe and China to Africa and Granola Bars to Jail - originally posted in March 2018. Enjoy!
Apr 21, 2022 • 32min
Threats to the Foreign Service
Overseas and at home, Foreign Service officers face danger to themselves and their careers, from Benghazi to McCarthyism to the Trump presidency. John Naland and Harry Kopp discuss these risks and why we take them in their book Career Diplomacy: Lfe and Work in the US Foreign Service.
Apr 14, 2022 • 38min
Countering Genocide
War crimes and genocide, from the Holocaust of World War II to Ukraine today, and many other places on earth. Moved by his experience of the civil rights movement as a youth in the South, Ed O'Donnel devoted his life to preventing the emergence of genocides worldwide and bringing justice in their aftermath.
Apr 7, 2022 • 36min
Ukraine: The Will to Fight
No one guessed Ukraine could succeed in combatting Putin. How has the country done it? What has Putin got wrong? General Ben Freakley is back with insights on the will to fight, military strategy, and values-based leadership.
Mar 31, 2022 • 22min
Memories of Madeleine, "The Serpent"
The world has lost a great stateswoman; Pete has lost a mentor. Reviled by autocrats, loved by Cuban Americans, Madeleine Albright is mourned by lovers of democracy worldwide.
Mar 24, 2022 • 34min
Do Sanctions Work?
What, exactly, is a sanction? An embargo? How do they help Ukraine and the West defeat Putin's aggression? Are they working? Why not put boots on the ground instead? Elizabeth Shackelford has a lot to say on the matter.
Mar 17, 2022 • 39min
I Would Rather Be America
The Ukraine war - a threat or an opportunity, or both? It's too early to tell, says congressional candidate and USAID veteran Dave Harden, but in a rise of great power competition - Russia, China and the US - I would rather be America, says Dave . Tune in and find out why.
Mar 10, 2022 • 47min
Energy Diplomacy and the War in Ukraine
Gas and Oil, Russia, Europe, the US, Azerbaijan, China and the war in Ukraine. Rich Kauzlerich, expert on energy diplomacy, explains that sanctions work, but that this is certainly no time for a victory lap.
Mar 3, 2022 • 37min
Where Is Latin America on Putin's Aggression?
Most of the world is united in its condemnation of Russia's aggression in Ukraine, with the conspicuous absence of comment from Latin America. Why? Eric Farnsworth, vice president of the Council of the Americas, unpacks.
Feb 24, 2022 • 39min
There Is Always Hope
What better way to launch a depressive episode than to leave a beloved job as US Ambassador to Panama, at the pinacle of one's career, all because one cannot in good conscience act as the personal representative of a particular US President? Ambassador John Feeley shares candidly the painful but surmountable experience of depression and recovery upon departure from the Foreign Service. May we all share as generously as our friend John. There is always hope.
