Diplomacy & Defense: behind the scenes conversations between U.S. military leaders and U.S. Ambassadors on their joint work across the globe to advance U.S. national security. Issues covered include war zones, humanitarian disasters, building and maintaining alliances and new challenges in cyber and disinformation. Please contact Paul Paré for more information about inviting individual podcast diplomats to visit TTU and classes.
Power and Presence: U.S. and the Arctic (3/25/21) Former Ambassador to Norway Ken Braithwaite and former Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, Jamie Foggo discuss U.S. power and presence in the Arctic in the era of great power competition and the close U.S. relationship with Norway.
Japan's Triple Disaster: Helping an Ally in Need (3/24/19)In 2011 Japan was hit by an earthquake, a tsunami and a nuclear disaster. Admiral Robert Willard and Ambassador John Roos talk about the devastation, nuclear radiation and coordinating the massive U.S. disaster assistance.
The Republic of Korea: US Dip-Mil engagement during the Trump Administration (2/19/22) General Abrams and Ambassador Harris discuss their partnership, the treaty alliance with the ROK, the shift under the Trump Administration to a top down approach to foreign policy and to a transactional relationships with allies, US summitry efforts with North Korea, managing ROK initiatives, the storming of the Ambassador's residence, the threat of the PRC and the value of the Quad and AUKUS.
Vietnam & the US: Legacy and Partnership (8/30 21) Admiral Swift and Ambassador Osius discuss; 1) how legacy issues (cleaning up after Agent Orange, finding POW/MIA) have slowly laid the basis of trust; 2) how key visits and US gestures have led to breakthroughs; 3) the role of US veterans and of Vietnamese refugees in building ties; 4) managing sensitive issues (human rights and the long history between China and Vietnam).
European Security: ISIS Terrorist Attacks & Deterring Russia The U.S. Response to ISIS attacks in Europe, the role of Special Operations Command Europe, and building deterrence vis a vis Russia with General Gregory Lengyel and Ambassador Susan Elliott.
Finland and the US: Friends and Allies (1 2/6/19) Former Finnish Chief of Defense General Jarmo Lindberg and Ambassador Bruce Oreck talk about the deep US-Finnish defense relationship, Finland's key role vis a vis Russia, Nordic security and receiving the Legion of Merit from General Dunford.
Afghanistan: Choosing to Lose & Moral Obligations (3/26/22) Former ISAF Commander British General David Richards and former US Ambassador Ronald Neumann critically review ever-shifting US and Western goals and objectives in Afghanistan, the weakness of the US-led DOHA peace agreement and the effects of the chaotic withdrawal. In their view, the US and its allies CHOSE to lose and have obligations towards those who were left behind. They offer perspectives on next steps.
Afghanistan: The U.S. Pivot, Sharing Danger & The Importance Of Cultural Intelligence Part I (3/4/19) General Allen and Ambassador Cunningham describe the US pivot in the war, the key role of allies and the handling of burning of the Koran and civilian casualties.
U.S. and Israel: From the Road Map to Today (2/23/21) General Selva and Ambassador Moreno talk about their roles as the Monitors of the Road Map to Peace under President Bush, the subsequent policies of the Obama and Trump Administrations, engaging Israel on Iran, the implications of not pursuing a two state solution, and the “bang for the buck” of US foreign assistance to Israel.
U.S.-Mexico Security Ties Part I: The Challenge of Building a Trusted Relationship (4/7/20) General Jacoby and Ambassador Wayne discuss their unified efforts to overcome traditionally difficult US-Mexican military relations, to work with Mexico to fight the drug cartels in an era of high violence and widespread corruption and the capture of notorious drug kingpin Chapo Guzman.
U.S. National Security's Sputnik Moment: How Diplomacy, Education and Congress Can Meet the Challenge (1/24/21) Former Commander Admiral McRaven and Congressman Moulton give their perspective on the national security roles of US diplomacy, Congress, and the US educational system, stressing the critical need for new skills and tools.
The National Security Toolbox Part I: 9/11 to Today (2/28/20) Has there been a “militarization” of U.S. Foreign Policy since 9/11? General Lute and Ambassador Grossman talk about the aftermath of 9/11 & the war in Afghanistan- how the counterterrorism mission moved to a military/diplomatic campaign, negotiating with the Taliban while continuing the counterinsurgency effort, and... flying to dinner in Pakistan.
Cyber Security: Foreign Attacks and U.S. Cyber Policy (5/10/19) General Alexander and Coordinator Painter discuss U.S. responses to cyber attacks from Russia, Iran and China, the urgent need for stronger defense & cyber as a tool of national power.
Managing Adversity: Serving in Russia (12/5/21) Former US Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman and former US Defense Attaché Admiral David Manero describe the effects of the large expulsion of US diplomats from Russia during a period of heightened tensions, their ground game to advance US interests in a hostile environment, Russia's toolbox and offensive tactics and US actions to counter them.