American Diplomat

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.

Episodes

December 25, 2025 26 mins

For the holidays, we asked diplomats to share their tales. We have Ken Quinn whose young kids' Christmas in Austria was saved by a team including the Chattanooga Choo Choo, a muslim Santa and a temporary North Korean "daugther". We have Peter Pham who, on his way home for the holidays from his post in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was diverted to Paris due to the US government shutdown, which turn of events led him to ensure...

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The Administration's new National Security Strategy document contains exaggerations, contradictions, insults, racism, posturing and slamming, which is to say nothing of the important topics it does not address. Amb. Charlie Ray takes the ideological manifesto apart for us, with discussion of the existential consequences for America and for our species.

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December 11, 2025 50 mins

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?

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December 4, 2025 34 mins

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. 

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State Department lawyer Mike Peay traces how, during a time of deep racial conflict,  black American jazz artists went overseas to promote the American experiment, winning the hearts of millions with their music and personas, but would it improve race relations at home? We share this episode once more to lift our hearts on Thanksgiving day.

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November 20, 2025 49 mins

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.

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November 13, 2025 33 mins

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.

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November 6, 2025 39 mins

Senator/Ambassador Jeff Flake, one of POTUS' first targets, tells us why he believes that inclusiveness will win in the US and beyond.

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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.

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October 23, 2025 27 mins

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?

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October 16, 2025 34 mins

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.

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October 9, 2025 29 mins

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.

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October 2, 2025 45 mins

Blowing up small boats to stop drug trafficking? Or is it like swatting flies with a blowtorch? And what about those drug-laden planes still flying north? Ambassador James Story sets the record straight.

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September 25, 2025 39 mins

Polar opposites: Mexican President Sheinbaum – a fact-based scientist, an introvert, methodical, with high standards…and then there is Trump. Mexico expert Brian Naranjo explains how she manages to tame the beast.

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September 18, 2025 34 mins

After repeated Russian invasions and/or occupations and with a population only 0.89% the size of Russia, how do you defend yourself, particularly in the age of hybrid warfare? Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur breaks it down. And, most importantly, how best to create tolerance for others' views, when the goal is for us all to remain alive under the same sun?

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September 11, 2025 57 mins

Use entertainment as political discourse, distort reality, mock adversaries, distract the public from the real issues. The Romans started it and Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi put it on full throttle. Italy expert Steve Scherer shows us how elected populists gain and keep power.

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September 4, 2025 33 mins

What happens when our president operates from his own alternative reality?  A growing Axis of Upheaval against us? Elizabeth Shackelford is back to clarify the moment.

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August 28, 2025 51 mins

We fought, died, celebrated victories and became prosperous together. Canadians could count on us, until now. Journalist Steve Scherer walks us through the US boycotts and yes, the profound sense of betrayal.

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August 22, 2025 43 mins

What prompts someone to become a violent Muslim extremist? Even more, what would get them to turn against their comrades? Counter-terrorism guru Brig Barker demystifies this dark world.

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August 14, 2025 41 mins

Why is Kazakhstan safe from Russia? It juts into the heart of Russia and shares the longest continuous land border in the world. What is their secret? Ambassador Dan Rosenblum's analogy: walking a tightrope.

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