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
Aug 30, 2018 • 26min
Russia - Is It Happening Here? "He Must Be Like Putin"
Conditions precedent and the rise of populist autocrat Putin, via Sandy Vershbow, US Ambassador to Russia, 2001-2005. Plus bonus Russian hit song "One Like Putin". Your internal soundscape may never be the same. The second country in American Diplomat's series, "Is It Happening Here?"
Aug 23, 2018 • 33min
Pete Goes Native - Second Part of Pete's Visit with the Indians
Pete visits the Huarani Indians, botches up a boar hunt, drinks the mystery drink chicha, and receives upon his departure a marriage proposal, ambiguously addressed either to himself one of the other fine young gringos. Follows first episode, titled "Cowboys and Indian at the Embassy."
Aug 16, 2018 • 38min
Cowboys and Indian at the Embassy
"Embassy death squads? Sure, I made that up!" ~ Moi, Huarani Indian and tribal ambassador
Aug 9, 2018 • 30min
Soybean Laura Goes to Washington
Trade, demystified. And accompanied by a stiff drink. Plus bonus song "Soybeans!" Shaun Donnelly tells all.
Aug 3, 2018 • 30min
Venezuela: Is it Happening Here? Chavez Takes Control
Once elected, how does Chavez systematically seize control of the politics and economy of his country, and how does this erode Fulano's choices and way of life?
Jul 27, 2018 • 35min
Venezuela: Is It Happening Here?
Brian Naranjo describes life for a middle-class voter during the lead-up to the election of Hugo Chavez, a former coup plotter who becomes the elected dictator of Venezuela. This is the first episode in a series within American Diplomat titled, "Is it happening here?"
Jul 19, 2018 • 11min
Is It Happening Here?
Pete and Laura introduce a new series within American Diplomat, in which they talk with diplomats who witnessed the beginning phases of democracy's doom and who can tell the story from the perspective of the individual voter who unwittingly elected a dictator.
Jul 12, 2018 • 26min
I've Been Kicked Out of Better Countries Than This
A social media battleground for hearts and minds in Venezuela, an American in prison on false charges of espionage and terrorism, and a prison riot. Brian Naranjo puts his neck way out there to protect Joshua Holt.
Jul 5, 2018 • 30min
Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places
Venezuela today: People are starving and the currency is almost worthless. The government is stealing as much as it can and destroying democratic institutions. The message to American diplomats: Welcome to Venezuela, let me show you the door.
Jun 28, 2018 • 23min
Send Lawyers, Guns and Money
Two air traffic controllers, fired for going on strike, go into (very) private industry. A naked American, on a balcony and intent on self-destruction, finds safety. More tales of what can go wrong in Tijuana, via Kate Canavan, plus tips on how to make your own travels abroad much safer.
