In our Modern American Diplomacy podcast, we interview American diplomats, capturing the sacrifice, leadership, humor, heroism, wisdom, and lessons of modern American diplomacy. Through historical reflections and personal anecdotes, guests explain foreign policy and tradecraft, or what they were trying to accomplish and how. Episodes include conversations with America’s diplomatic legends, as well as rising leaders and foreign policy experts from diverse backgrounds. This series is supported by the Una Chapman Cox Foundation.
Latest Featured Episode
As Director General of the Foreign Service and ambassador to three countries in three different bureaus (Philippines, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe), and having served in DC leadership positions on the 7th floor and White House, Amb. Thomas saw U.S. diplomacy from multiple perspectives. He reflects on crisis management, leadership, and career progression. He talks about the blatant discrimination he encountered early in Peru and later in Zimbabwe, his adventures in rural Nigeria, and his time working for Sec. Rice and moments with Pres. Bush after 9/11 – all the while he conveys a sense of humor, dedication and determination. His thoughts on diversity and internal management are unvarnished, and his love for the Foreign Service is on full display.
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