Diplomatic Immunity
Diplomatic Immunity is a podcast from the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University. It features frank and candid conversations about issues facing diplomats and national security decision makers around the world. The show interviews current and former diplomatic officials, scholars, and analysts to explore how to foster international cooperation in an age of global crises. The podcast is hosted by Dr. Kelly McFarland and supported by the Carnegie Corporation of New York's Bridging the Gap Initiative.
Episodes
Fighting AIDS | Lifeline: The Story of PEPFAR — Interview with Journalist John Donnelly
In 2003, President George W. Bush proposed spending $15 billion to fight AIDS in Africa — a program that would go on to save more than 26 million lives. Journalist John Donnelly, author of "Lifeline: The Story of PEPFAR, the Greatest Humanitarian Initiative of Our Time," joins the show to tell the untold story of how doctors, activists, diplomats, policymakers, and Africans themselves turned an un
Headlines in History | Iran's Forever War, US-Canada Trade Fight, and a Nothingburger China Summit
It's been a while! In the first "Headlines in History" since spring, Kelly and Tristan dig into the global stories that refuse to go away. In this episode: Iran — Months into the conflict, there's still no agreement. Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz more than ever, the Houthis are disrupting Red Sea shipping, and the Trump administration's goals remain unclear. Is this ending after the midterms?
America Is Losing the Influence Game | Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau and the Bush Presidential Center
A former US diplomat breaks down why soft power matters more than ever — and why the United States is ceding ground to China and other adversaries. From polling data showing China is viewed more favorably than the US, to exchange programs that produced 500+ heads of state, to the media networks that deliver facts where authoritarian governments close the door, this conversation covers the tools of
Empire, Roosevelt, and Mark Twain with Stephen Kinzer
This week, Kelly is joined by historian and journalist Stephen Kinzer to discuss his book The True Flag: Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Twain, and the Birth of American Empire. They dig into the Spanish-American War, the fierce imperialist vs. anti-imperialist debate it sparked, and how those same arguments still echo through American foreign policy today. Find The True Flag here: https://www.amazon.co
Another breakdown in British Politics
Kelly McFarland and Tristen Naylor are back with a home team episode covering two major breaking stories: a seismic shakeup in British politics and the fast-moving (and deeply uncertain) US-Iran nuclear negotiations. 0:00:06 – Intro & Check-ins 0:03:27 – World Cup Chat 0:04:48 – Keir Starmer Resigns 0:10:58 – Andy Burnham & What's Next for Labour 0:18:03 – US-Iran Ceasefire & Nuclear Negotiations
How the Confederacy almost Survived: King Cotton and Queen Victoria
What if the Civil War's most consequential diplomacy didn't happen in London or Washington — but in the back offices of Bahamian merchants, the shipyards of Liverpool, and the harbors of Nassau? In this episode, Kelly McFarland sits down with historian and Army veteran Beau Cleland to discuss his award-winning book "Between King Cotton and Queen Victoria: How Pirates, Smugglers, and Scoundrels Alm
The World Cup Comes to Trump's America
The World Cup is finally here — and it's coming to North America. This week, Kelly and Tristen take a lighter-than-usual look at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, kicking off June 11th across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Where there's a major global event, there's geopolitics. From Iran's visa saga to sky-high ticket prices, heat waves in Kansas City, and FIFA's delicate dance with the White Hous
The King's Visit, Trump's China Trip & US-Iran
King Charles visited the White House — and it went exactly as planned. But did it actually matter? In this episode of Diplomatic Immunity, we break down King Charles's state visit to the United States, what it reveals about how the British government has learned to work with Trump, and why the royal charm offensive doesn't necessarily translate into real policy wins for the UK. We also cover: Tru
Historian Amy Greenberg on The Mexican-American War: America's Forgotten Conflict | Road to 250
In this episode of Diplomatic Immunity, our host Kelly McFarland sits down with Dr. Amy Greenberg, professor at Penn State and author of A Wicked War: Polk, Clay, Lincoln, and the 1846 U.S. Invasion of Mexico, to explore one of the most consequential — and least remembered — wars in American history. We trace the origins of the Mexican-American War from the Texas Revolution and the annexation deba
Historian Lindsay Chervinsky on the Monroe Doctrine & John Quincy Adams | America at 250
In this episode of Diplomatic Immunity, host Kelly McFarland sits down with presidential historian Lindsay Chervinsky, executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon, to explore one of the most consequential partnerships in American foreign policy history: James Monroe and his Secretary of State, John Quincy Adams. They dig into the origins of the Monroe Doctri
Iran Talks, Hungary's Election Surprise & the Shifting Global Order
In this episode, Kelly and Tristan break down two major stories shaping the world right now - Iran and Hungary. Topics covered: U.S.-Iran nuclear talks collapse — why a deal may leave America worse off than before the war The U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports and the China wildcard Viktor Orbán voted out after 16 years — what it means for the EU and Ukraine Is the global backlash against right
History Professor on James Madison and the War of 1812 | Diplomatic Immunity
In this episode of Diplomatic Immunity, host Kelly McFarland sits down with Dr. Tyson Reeder, assistant professor of history at Brigham Young University and author of Serpent in Eden: Foreign Meddling and Partisan Politics in James Madison's America (Oxford University Press, 2024 — winner of the 2025 George Washington Prize). Together, they explore the presidency of James Madison as part of our 20
Road to 250: Thomas Jefferson's foreign policy
In this episode of the Road to 250 series, our host Kelly McFarland sits down with Professor Frank Cogliano of the University of Edinburgh to explore Thomas Jefferson's foreign policy and its lasting impact on America's role in the world. Topics covered: The Federalist vs. Democratic-Republican divide over foreign policy Jefferson's "Empire of Liberty" — how he reconciled expansion with Republica
Georgetown Professor on the War in Iran
Two weeks into Operation Epic Fury, we break down what's happening, what went wrong, and where this is all heading. In this conversation: The unclear end goals: regime change, nuclear disarmament, or ballistic missile elimination? Who's really driving this — the U.S. or Israel? The Strait of Hormuz crisis and why the economic fallout was entirely predictable How Gulf States like Qatar, Bahrain,
Three-time Pulitzer finalist Anand Gopal on his new book, Days of Love and Rage
What happens when ordinary people try to build a democracy from scratch in the middle of a civil war — and what happens when it falls apart? In this episode, our host Kelly McFarland sits down with journalist and author Anand Gopal, a three-time Pulitzer finalist, to discuss his new book Days of Love and Rage: A Story of Ordinary People Forging a Revolution. The book follows six individuals in the
Munich Security Conference 2026: Rubio, Europe's Future & Iran Strike Coming?
In this episode, we break down the major takeaways from the Munich Security Conference, where Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a notably softer speech than last year's JD Vance address—but the underlying message remains the same. We analyze speeches from Emmanuel Macron, Chancellor Scholz, and others as Europe grapples with its "vacation from history" and debates its future role on the wor
America's Grand Strategy in the Age of Polarity with Robert Blackwill
In this episode, our host Kelly McFarland sits down with Ambassador Robert Blackwill, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, who previously served on the National Security Council and as U.S. Ambassador to India, to discuss his new report "America Revived: A Grand Strategy of Resolute Global Leadership." What We Cover: The five historical schools of American grand strategy: primacy, liberal
Inside Nuclear Negotiations with North Korea
This week, Kelly talks with former US Diplomat Joel Wit, author of the new book Fallout: The Inside Story of America's Failure to Disarm North Korea. Joel was a diplomat negotiating with North Korea in the 1990s and 2000s, and has researched and published on the DPRK ever since. The opinions expressed in this conversation are strictly those of the participants and do not represent the views of Ge
Road to 250: Diplomacy in the Revolution
This year, Kelly takes you on a road to 250 in American Diplomacy. First up is Professor Kathryn Statler, University of San Diego Professor and expert on early American foreign policy. She takes Kelly through the Revolutionary War and America's earliest days. How did Americans think of their role in the world? How did they juggle their alliance with France while seeking national autonomy? Most imp
Trump's "Board of Peace"
This week, Kelly and Tristen dissect Trump's Board of Peace: who's in, who's out, and who has declined. Can the board supersede the United Nations' peacebuilding efforts? The opinions expressed in this conversation are strictly those of the participants and do not represent the views of Georgetown University or any government entity. Produced by Freddie Mallinson. Recorded on January 28, 2026. Dip
Democrazy in Venezeula with Ambassador Jimmy Story
This week, Kelly talks with Jimmy Story, the last US Ambassador to Venezuela. Prospects for democracy look bleak, but what does 2026 hold for the country? The opinions expressed in this conversation are strictly those of the participants and do not represent the views of Georgetown University or any government entity. Produced by Freddie Mallinson. Recorded on January 16, 2026. Diplomatic Immunity
Will the US take Greenland?
For the first episode of 2026, Kelly and Tristen dive deep into the Trump administration's renewed efforts to acquire Greenland. The opinions expressed in this conversation are strictly those of the participants and do not represent the views of Georgetown University or any government entity. Produced by Freddie Mallinson. Recorded on January 15, 2026. Diplomatic Immunity, a podcast from the Insti
2025 Wrapped: Gaza, Ukraine & What to Watch in 2026
Kelly and Tristen wrap up 2025's foreign policy: the highlights (and lowlights), what went under the radar, and what they'll be watching for in 2026. The opinions expressed in this conversation are strictly those of the participants and do not represent the views of Georgetown University or any government entity. Produced by Abdalla Nasef and Freddie Mallinson. Recorded on December 2, 2025. Diplom
Michael Kimmage: Will Russia's War in Ukraine End Soon?
This week, Kelly talks with Professor Michael Kimmage about Russia's war in Ukraine and current efforts towards a ceasefire. Michael Kimmage is a Professor of History at Catholic University, specializing in U.S.-Russia relations and cold war history, and is director of the Kennan Institute in Washington D.C. He worked on U.S.-Russia relations from 2014 to 2016 on the Secretary of State's Policy Pl
COP and G20: Multilateralism without the US
This week, Kelly and Tristen talk through recent COP and G20 summits, and what US absence meant for the world's biggest international fora. They also provide updates on US allies' reactions to boat strikes in the Caribbean, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's meetings with Trump at the White House. The opinions expressed in this conversation are strictly those of the participants and do n
Declan Walsh: What's next for Sudan's civil war?
Interview with Decland Walsh on Sudan: 31:30 This week, Kelly and Truisten talk through Hungary's new attempt to start up an anti-Ukraine bloc in the EU as well as Victor Orban's meeting with President Trump. They then turn to recent elections in the Netherlands and to President Trum's trip to Asia and the APEC summit. Chief NYT Africa Correspondent Declan Walsh then joins Kelly for a deep-dive in
History, Statecraft, and Strategy with Francis J. Gavin
This week, Kelly talks with Johns Hopkins Professor Francis J. Gavin about his new book, Thinking Historically: A Guide to Statecraft and Strategy (Yale University Press, 2025). The book looks at how history could be utilized to improve policy and enable better decision-making. It argues for a "historical sensibility" as a practical discipline—one that captures the real constraints decision-maker
What's next for Venezuela?
This week, Kelly talks with Carolina Jiménez Sandoval about the state of play between the United States and Venezuela amid increasing tensions, military strikes, and continued economic upheavel in the country. Carolina Jiménez Sandoval is the President of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA). She holds over 20 years of experience in research and advocacy for human rights in the Americas a
Will Gaza's Ceasefire Hold?
Interview with Mona Yacoubian on Gaza: 28:20 This week, Kelly and Tristen unpack NATO's defense ministers meeting in Brussels and the Trump–Zelenskyy visit to the White House—what it means for Ukraine aid, European drone-defense plans, and the Tomahawk debate. They then turn to political turbulence in Cameroon and Peru, give a quick update on Madagascar's military-led transition, and close with wi
The Revolution Throughout History with Dan Edelstein
This week, Kelly talks with Stanford University professor and author Dan Edelstein about his new book, The Revolution to Come: A History of an Idea from Thucydides to Lenin, (Princeton University Press, 2025). The book looks at how political thinkers from Plato to John Adams saw revolutions as a grave threat to society and advocated for a constitution that prevented them by balancing social inter
Moldova's Turn Away from Russia with Ambassador Kent Logsdon
Interview with Ambassador Kent Logsdon on Moldova: 33:25 This week, Kelly and Tristen break down President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu's 20-point Gaza peace plan and what it signals for U.S.-Israel relations, as well as the ongoing ceasefire negotiations. They then look at the Gen-Z-led protests spreading across Morocco and Madagascar — echoing Nepal's youth uprising weeks ago — and close w
The War Below: Critical Minerals with Ernest Scheyder
This week, Kelly talks with Reuters reporter and author Ernest Scheyder about critical minerals and his new book: "The War Below: Lithium, Copper, and the Global Battle to Power Our Lives." Ernest Scheyder is a senior correspondent with Reuters covering critical minerals and the global energy transition. "The War Below: Lithium, Copper, and the Global Battle to Power our Lives," was published in e
Will Gen-Z Protests Change Nepal's Path?
Interview with Pranaya Rana on Nepal: 26:50 This week, Kelly and Tristen talk through Trump's speech at the UN General Assembly, his visit last week to the UK, and the administration's recent strikes on suspected Venezuelan cartels. They also provide some brief updates since the last episode: on Jair Bolsonaro's conviction in Brazil and the new Saudi-Pakistan defense agreement. Kelly then talks w
U.S. Foreign Policy in a Multipolar World with Emma Ashford
Kelly talks with Emma Ashford about her new book, First Among Equals: U.S. Foreign Policy in a Multipolar World (Yale University Press, 2025), where she proposes a return to a more pragmatic, realist set of strategic principles, ones better suited for the emerging multipolar world, that would pursue narrower U.S. interests, cultivate the capabilities of friendly states, and emphasize room for mane
Trade, Security, and the Future of U.S.–India Ties with Sameer Lalwani
Interview with Sameer Lalwani — 27:32 This week, Kelly and Tristan cover Israel's unprecedented strike on Hamas leaders in Doha and the diplomatic fallout for Qatar and the Gaza ceasefire talks, the historic trial of Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro and what it means for democratic resilience, and Beijing's memory-politics summit—complete with a military parade and a guest list signaling C
USAID's Gutting and The Future of International Aid: Ambassador Erin Mckee
This week, Kelly talks with former assistant administrator of USAID, Erin McKee, in light of the department's gutting in recent months. She is now serving as the CEO of Nova Ukraina, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine and raising awareness about Ukraine in the United States and throughout the world. Erin McKee is a career US diplomat who serve
Can External Pressure Bring Peace to the DRC?
Interview with Liam Karr — 28:50 This week, Kelly and Tristan cover the recent rounds of summit diplomacy between Presidents Trump and Putin and subsequent meetings with European leaders, the recent moves in Somaliland's quest for recognition, and the new settlements in the West Bank approved by Israel's finance minister. Kelly is then joined by Liam Karr of the Critical Threats Project for an upd
Dr. Sophal Ear on the Thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire
Interview with Dr. Sophal Ear: 25:30 This week, Kelly and Tristan examine the backsliding of democracy in El Salvador and analyze the regional implications for President Bukele's political crackdown. They then explore Trump's escalating tariff war with India, which threatens to undermine the partnership between the world's two largest democracies. Next, they explore Japan's landmark $6.5 billion n
CFR's Ebenezer Obadare: Nigeria's Turning Point?
This week, Kelly talks with Council on Foreign Relations Senior Fellow Ebenezer Obadare about Nigeria's growing security and economic challenges under President Bola Tinubu. Ebenezer discusses how the country is facing escalating violence from Boko Haram, growing political instability, and widespread economic hardship. Obadare also highlights Nigeria's tremendous diplomatic potential and why it co
Colombia's Political Instability with Crisis Group's Elizabeth Dickinson
This week, Kelly talks with International Crisis Group Analyst Elizabeth Dickinson about the surge in cartel-driven violence in Colombia and how USAID cuts have impacted the country. Elizabeth discusses how criminal groups have filled the vacuum left by FARC's demobilization in 2016, leading to the highest coca cultivation levels in Colombia's history and a surge in political instability that is t
Kelly and Tristen on The UN Turning 80, NATO's Trump Strategy, and US Strikes on Iran
This week, Kelly and Tristan look back on the United Nations as it marks its 80th anniversary, reflecting on its evolution from the failed League of Nations and assessing its future challenges, including Security Council reform. They also analyze the recent NATO summit, exploring how European allies have managed the alliance's relationship with President Trump around defense spending commitments a
FDR and the Invention of National Security with Andrew Preston
Kelly talks with Andrew Preston about his new book, Total Defense: The New Deal and the Invention of National Security. Preston explores how FDR revolutionized national security policy by connecting domestic New Deal programs to global defense strategies. Andrew Preston is a Professor of American History based at Clare College, Cambridge, where he focuses on the ideas and concepts that shape Ameri
The Pope's Spies: Yvonnick Denoël on the Vatican's Clandestine Operations
Kelly talks with Yvonnick Denoël about his new book, Vatican Spies: From the Second World War to Pope Francis, exploring the Vatican's little-known intelligence operations. Yvonnick is a French historian, publisher and intelligence specialist who has written on the CIA, Mossad, and espionage in the twentieth century. His new book uncovers a little-known side of Vatican history that saw the Holy Se
Will Popular Elections Undermine Mexico's Court System? Plus updates on South Korea, Poland, and the Sahel
Interview with David Mora on Mexico's Judicial Elections: 27:20 This week, Kelly and Tristen unpack key elections in Poland and South Korea, and examine the growing reach of an Al-Qaeda affiliate in West Africa. Kelly then sits down with David Mora to explore Mexico's recent judicial elections and their implications for Mexican democracy and U.S.-Mexico relations. David Mora is the Senior Analyst
Amitav Acharya: Why The International Order Will Survive Western Decline
Kelly talks with Amitav Acharya about his new book The Once and Future World Order and the deep roots of global civilization beyond the West. They explore why the recent decline of American dominance doesn't mean collapse, but a chance to build a more just, inclusive global system. Amitav Acharya is the UNESCO Chair in Transnational Challenges and Governance and Distinguished Professor at the Scho
Mona Yacoubian on Trump's Middle East Visit
Interview with Mona Yacoubian on Trump's Middle East Visit: 25:55 This week, Kelly and Tristen discuss President Trump's meeting with the President of South Africa, give an update on the war in Ukraine, and unpack the UK's new trade agreement with the European Union. Kelly then talks with Mona Yacoubian for a breakdown on Trump's recent trip to the Middle East, and what the visit means for America
Moisés Naím on Authoritarianism
Next up this Summer, Kelly talks with bestselling author Moisés Naím about the rise of authoritarianism around the world. Moisés Naím is an internationally syndicated columnist and best-selling author of several books, including most recently "The Revenge of Power: How Autocrats Are Reinventing Politics for the 21st Century," published in 2023. In the early 1990s, Dr. Naím served as Venezuela's M
Sameer Lalwani on India-Pakistan tensions
Interview with Sameer Lalwani on India-Pakistan: 21:30 This week, Kelly and Tristen digest the recent elections in Australia and President Putin's WWII victory day parade, and remember the life and legacy of legendary IR scholar Joseph Nye. Kelly then talks with to Sameer Lalwani for an update on recent tensions between India and Pakistan. Sameer Lalwani is a non-resident senior fellow at the Cen
Patricia Owens: A History of International Thought without Men
In the first episode of our summer series, Kelly talks with Oxford University Professor Patricia Owens about her new book "Erased: A History of International Thought Without Men." Kelly and Patricia discuss how women and minority voices were erased from the early cannon of interntional relations, what that means for the practice of IR, and how the field is fairing amid profound shifts in global or
Remus Ștefureac on Romania's Election Rerun
Interview with Remus Ștefureac on the upcoming Romanian election - 20:05 Read more about Tristen Naylor, Kelly's new co-host, on our website: https://isd.georgetown.edu/profile/tristen-naylor/ Kelly and Tristen delve into Pope Francis's legacy, analyze the results of the Canadian election, and examine how India is navigating trade tensions between the U.S. and China. Later, Kelly sits down with po
Mélanie Gouby on the Conflict in the DRC
Interview with Mélanie Gouby on conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - 19:40 Read more about Tristen Naylor, Kelly's new co-host, on our website: https://isd.georgetown.edu/profile/tristen-naylor/ Kelly and Tristen break down the Trump administration's new tariffs, the revival of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, and Ecuador's recent presidential election. Later, Kelly speaks with investigative
Jeremi Suri on History & the Policymaker
For our sixth episode of "History and our Current World," Jeremi Suri joins Kelly to discuss how policymakers can effectively use historical analogies without falling into the trap of oversimplification. They discuss how examining multiple historical cases rather than relying on a single analogy like Munich or Vietnam can result in better policy outcomes. Jeremi holds the Mack Brown Distinguished
Alper Coşkun on Türkiye's Crisis of Democracy
Interview with Alper Coşkun on Türkiye's political crisis - 21:10 This week is our third episode with Kelly's new co-host, Tristen Naylor, a non-resident fellow at ISD. Read more about Tristen on our website: https://isd.georgetown.edu/profile/tristen-naylor/ Kelly and Tristen give updates on renewed fighting in Gaza and how domestic Israeli politics led to the breakdown of the ceasefire. They als
Daniel Immerwahr on America's Hidden Empire
For our fifth episode of "History and our Current World," Daniel Immerwahr joins Kelly to uncover how U.S. foreign policy has been shaped by a hidden history of territorial expansion. They dive into the myths surrounding the U.S. "logo map" and overlooked overseas territories, and discuss how a selective understanding of this history impacts our foreign policy decisions today. Daniel is the Bergen
Canada, Ukraine, and South Sudan, plus Nick Thompson on Undersea Cable Attacks
Interview with Nick Thompson on Undersea Cables - 22:20 This week is our second episode with Kelly's new co-host, Tristen Naylor, a non-resident fellow at ISD. Read more about Tristen on our website: https://isd.georgetown.edu/profile/tristen-naylor/ Kelly and Tristen analyze the recent conflict in South Sudan and Canadian politics, as well as the latest developments in Ukraine. Kelly then turns t
Jason Steinhauer on How Historians Must Adapt to Social Media
For our fourth episode of "History and our Current World," Kelly welcomes author Jason Steinhauer to explore how social media has impacted historical narratives. They dive into the idea of "e-History" and how social media has made it harder for professional historians to cut through the noise in an age where misinformation is constantly competing for our attention. Jason formerly served as Foundin
Syria, Germany, the G20, and Edward Fishman on Ukraine
Interview with Edward Fishman on Ukarine & Russia - 40:50 This week, Kelly introduces our new co-host, Tristen Naylor, a non-resident fellow at ISD. Read more about Tristen on our website: https://isd.georgetown.edu/profile/tristen-naylor/ Kelly and Tristen analyze recent developments in German and Syrian politics and the recent G20 summit in South Africa. Kelly then turns to Edward Fishman for an
Katie Stallard on Mythmaking & History in Russia, China, and North Korea
For our third episode of "History and our Current World," Kelly welcomes journalist Katie Stallard to explore how historical mythmaking shapes foreign policy. We examine how Russia, China & North Korea have manipulated national narratives to legitimize their global ambitions and create powerful collective identities. Katie is a senior editor for China & global affairs at the News Statesman magazin
Omar Mahmood on Somaliland's Political Future
Interview with Omar Mahmood on Somaliland - 16:40 This week, Kelly sits down with International Crisis Group Senior Analyst Omar Mahmood for an in-depth look at Somaliland's history and quest for international recognition. Before that, he and Freddie discuss Trump's USAID cuts, political turmoil in the Philippines, and Ecuador's presidential election results. As the senior analyst for Eastern Afri
Margaret Macmillan: Why Does History Matter?
For our first full episode of Season 8, Kelly is joined by Margaret MacMillan to discuss the importance of history in shaping the behavior of individuals, politicians, and entire societies. Margaret MacMillan is an emeritus professor of History at the University of Toronto and an emeritus professor of International History at Oxford University. She was provost of Trinity College, Toronto from 200
Liana Fix on Germany's Political Crisis
Interview with Liana Fix on Germany - 16:00 NOTE: This episode was recorded before the ceasefire in the DRC began to break down. This week, Kelly sits down with Council on Foreign Relations fellow Liana Fix for an update on Germany's political crisis just weeks ahead of the federal elections. Before that, Kelly and Freddie break down the release of DeepSeek, discuss the civil war in the Democratic
Season 8 Preview: History and our Current World
This week, Kelly teases the upcoming season of Diplomatic Immunity, titled "History and our Current World." The new series explores how history shapes foreign affairs—from the lessons of the Treaty of Versailles to the myths fueling conflicts in Ukraine and the South China Sea. Don't miss our next episode on February 13th, when Kelly interviews renowned historian Margaret MacMillan to uncover how
Mona Yacoubian on Syria: HTS's Rise and Reconstruction Ahead
Interview with Mona Yacoubian on Syria — 10:57 This week, Kelly interviews Mona Yacoubian from the U.S. Institute of Peace to provide insights into Syria's future, focusing on the rise of HTS, reconstruction challenges, and the role of international actors. Before that, Kelly and Freddie cover the latest developments in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and reflect on the legacy of Jimmy Carter's foreign
Richard Fontaine: The Russo-Chinese Alliance & U.S. Foreign Policy
To kick off 2025, Kelly talks with Richard Fontaine, CEO of the Center for New American Security, about his new report with the Council on Foreign Relations: No Limits? The China-Russia Relationship and U.S. Foreign Policy. Richard is the chief executive officer of the Center for a New American Security. Prior to CNAS, Richard was a foreign policy advisor to Senator John McCain and served in the
2024: Year in Review with Amy Mackinnon and Ellen Laipson
This week, Kelly looks back on the major events of 2024 with Amy Mackinnon and Ellen Laipson. Amy Mackinnon is an award-winning national security and intelligence reporter at Foreign Policy. She has reported from across Eastern Europe and was previously based in Moscow and in Tbilisi, Georgia, as senior editor for the crisis reporting site Coda Story. Mackinnon is a recipient of the duPont-Columbi
Lessons in Diplomacy with Former UK Ambassador Leigh Turner
This week, Kelly talks with former British Ambassador Leigh Turner about a wide range of topics, from crisis and safety issues facing embassies around the world to how technology is transforming the role of the diplomat, and how he sees European, Russian, and British foreign policy developing in the next few years. Leigh Turner is a writer based in London. He was the UK ambassador to Austria and U
Ambassador Samuel Ducroquet: Sports Diplomacy After Paris 2024
This week, Kelly talks with the French Ambassador for Sports, Samuel Ducroquet, about the growing role of sports in diplomatic efforts. Samuel Ducroquet was appointed French ambassador for sport in February 2023. He joined the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in 2007 as an International Civilian Volunteer at the French Permanent Mission to the EU in Brussels, and has since worked as a polit
Dan Byman on Israel; updates on Georgian Elections, COP29, and Venezuela
Interview with Dan Byman on Israel — 14:36 This week, Kelly speaks with Georgetown Professor Dan Byman for an update on Israel and Lebanon, days before a ceasefire was announced in the year-long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Before that, Kelly and Freddie talk through the recent elections in Georgia and Venezuela, and the negotiations at the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan. The opinio
ISD Live: NYT's Edward Wong Receives the 2024 Weintal Prize
On November 13, ISD Director Ambassador (ret.) Barbara Bodine awarded New York Times correspondent Edward Wong with the Edward Weintal Prize for diplomatic reporting. Ed's lecture, "Empires in Extremis," covers his family's story as it intertwines with the rise of the CCP and Xi Jinping, leading into his own career as a diplomatic correspondent and NYT Beijing Bureau Chief for nine years. He conc
Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky: U.S. History & the Biden-Trump Transition
This week, Kelly talks with Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky about the history of Presidential transitions, and how the Biden-Trump transition is shaping up. Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky is a presidential historian and Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library. Her research focuses on the development of political institutions and political culture in the Early Republic. Her first book, The
Tristen Naylor: How is the World Viewing the 2024 Election?
This week, Kelly talks with Dr. Tristen Naylor, Founder and Managing Director of the geopolitical risk consultancy Diplomatic Solutions, about the outlooks for relationships with leaders in Europe, China, Iran, and other nations, as well as how America's relationship with multilateral institutions like the United Nations might be impacted by either candidate's victory. Tristen Naylor is the Found
Sara Moller on NATO's new Secretary General; updates on Kenya, Tunisia and the Chagos Islands
Interview with Sara Moller - 13:00 This week, Kelly and Freddie talk through the UK's deal with Mauritius on the Chagos Islands, the Tunisian presidential election, and Kenya's police mission in Haiti. Kelly then talks with Professor Sara Moller about NATO's new Secretary General Mark Rutte. The opinions expressed in this conversation are strictly those of the participants and do not represent th
Emma Ashford: Trump vs Harris on Foreign Policy
For our seventh season of Diplomatic Immunity, we'll be taking a look at the role of foreign policy in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. We'll be taking you through the key things to know about where the candidates stand on international issues, how a win for either will affect US foreign policy, and how the rest of the world is watching with bated breath. Today, Kelly talks with Emma Ashfo
Stephanie Fillion on UNGA Week; Updates on Israel and the South China Sea
11:40 - Interview with Stéphanie Fillion This week, Kelly and Freddie discuss recent updates in Israel and the South China Sea. Kelly then talks with Stephanie Fillion, a UN correspondent, about high-level week at the UN General Assembly. Stephanie Fillion is an international reporter who covers the UN from its headquarters in New York City. Her work has been featured in Forbes Magazine, Foreign P
Elizabeth Saunders - Does Foreign Policy Matter in US Elections?
For our seventh season of Diplomatic Immunity, we'll be taking a look at the role of foreign policy in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. We'll be taking you through the key things to know about where the candidates stand on international issues, how a win for either will affect U.S. foreign policy, and how the rest of the world is watching with bated breath. Today, Kelly talks with Elizabet
Myanmar Deep Dive with Richard Horsey
Kelly speaks with Richard Horsey, Myanmar expert and advisor to the International Crisis Group, for a deep dive into the history of Myanmar's ongoing civil war. Richard is a political analyst and has been a close observer of Myanmar for over 25 years. He specializes in the politics and political economy of the country, as well as armed conflict and the illicit economy. Since 2009, he has been Mya
Chris Tuttle on Ukraine & TikTok; Maldivian Elections, Niger, and Blinken Visits China
13:10 - Interview with Chris Tuttle This week, Kelly and Freddie talk through Secretary of State Blinken's recent visit to China, U.S. troops leaving Niger, and an election in Maldives that saw the country move closer to China. Kelly then talks with Chris Tuttle, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, about recent Congressional action on Ukraine and TikTok. Chris Tuttle is a senior fel
Yuki Tatsumi on the US-Japan Summit; Iran's strike on Israel, Ecuador's Embassy Raid, and Turkish Municipal Elections
10:40 - Interview with Yuki Tatsumi. This week, Kelly and Freddie talk through Iran's Strike on Israel, Ecudaro's raid on the Mexican embassy in Quito, and the losses for President Erdogan's party in recent Turkish municipal elections. Kelly then talks with the Stimson Center's Yuki Tatsumi about the recent summit between the US, Japan, and the Philippines held in Washington last week. Yuki Tatsu
Military Strategy & The War in Ukraine with Lt Gen Ben Hodges
Kelly speaks with Lt. Gen (ret.) Ben Hodges, former Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe, about the effect of the Ukraine War on military tactics and strategy. Prior to retiring from the armed forces in 2018, Lieutenant General (ret.) Ben Hodges served as Commanding General of the U.S. Army in Europe. He consults for several companies on Europe, NATO, and the European Union, and he is co-author
Dr. Ken Opalo on Sudan's Civil War; Updates on Gaza and Haiti
10:25 - Interview with Dr. Ken Opalo This week, Kelly and Freddie provide updates on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the evolving crisis in Haiti, and Kelly talks with Georgetown Professor Ken Opalo for a deep dive into Sudan's civil war. Dr. Opalo is an associate professor at the Georgetown University Walsh School of Foreign Service, where he focuses his research and teaching on political
