American Diplomat Podcast

Real U.S. diplomats share the untold truths behind world events—what went right, what went wrong, and what you’ll never see in the news.

Want to know what it’s really like on the frontlines of international diplomacy?  Each week, Amb. (Ret.) Pete Romero and co-host Laura Bennett sit down with active and retired US diplomats to pull back the curtain on the gritty, human side of international affairs.  From dealing with foreign leaders to navigating the chaos of war zones, these diplomats share the stories that drive the headlines.  

#1 diplomacy podcast, FeedSpot
#1 international podcast, Goodpods
#5 all time top foreign, Goodpods
#10 all time top international, Goodpods

Latest Podcast Episodes

With Assad overthrown in Syria and the new regime freeing themselves of decades long sanctions will they be able to stop the flow of financing and weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon? Is this an opening to permit reform and true democracy in Lebanon or will it be another missed opportunity? Ambassador Ed Gabriel sets forth what is at stake in the region and for US interests.
With so much disinformation flying around, Senator Chris Van Hollen sets the record straight and takes down Secretary Rubio at the same time.
From wartime to prosperity, Ambassador Ted Osius shares his personal experience of change in US/Vietnam relations since the end of the war 50 years ago. Best question: Why is Amb. Osius optimistic, even in today’s trade climate?   Hint: Nothing is Impossible, the title of both Amb. Osius’s book and his previous episode with us. For bonus fun, enjoy the video of Vietnamese female rap artist Suboi!
How did a utopian vision for society lead to one of the bloodiest regimes in history, Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge? Why does it matter today? Was it mediocrity? Arrogance? Or is it just easier to seize power than it is to govern? Prof. Andrew Mertha of Johns Hopkins’ School of International Studies, whose new book Bad Lieutenants – out today, lays it out for us.
Is it simply mutual self-interest or is it Bukele's head start on the authoritarian’s handbook?  Both?  AmDip’s own Pete Romero breaks it down, with feeling!
Former US Ambassador to South Korea Kathleen Stephens answers the question: How was martial law was defeated within hours and the would-be dictator impeached?  Hint: The citizens, and the soldiers(!) said no.  Putting up barricades with sofas and chairs, and grabbing a gun from a soldier, one woman asked, "Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?"  Even the president accepted the rules set forth in the constitution.  But why?  
US colleges and universities are a battleground for First Amendment rights. Each side of the political spectrum wants to limit these rights for the other side. Now the Trump Administration has weaponized these issues by cutting grants and detaining students. Is there a neutral path forward? ASU honors student Sami Al-Asady breaks it down for us.
Trump has led a relentless attack on Diversity Equity and Inclusion, saying it undermines a meritocracy. Former State DEI chief Ambassador Gina Abercrombie Winstanley asserts that equity and inclusion are simply effective management tools for molding smart teams. You be the judge.

The Podcast Team

Ambassador and Co-Host

Amb. Pete Romero had a twenty-five year career as a diplomat in the US Foreign Service. In his last three postings, he was head of our embassy in El Salvador, US Ambassador in Quito, Ecuador and Assistant Secretary of the Western Hemisphere Bureau at the US Department of State.

Producer and Co-Host

Laura Bennett has written, directed, produced and edited short films that have won 11 awards and screened at 35 festivals throughout the United States. Laura speaks Spanish, French and English and has traveled in five continents, often solo and working as a volunteer.

Sound Engineer

Lorenzo Wilkins heads SD33/Art Direction and Design, focusing on identity, publication and marketing design.  His client list includes the former UPN television, Fox television, PBS, Spike Lee's 40 Acres & a Mule, the NAACP, the National Society of Black Engineers, Jane Firor & Associates, City First Bank of DC, the Education Trust and several political campaigns.

Learn more

Related videos

U.S. Diplomacy & Development: A Call for Latino Leaders

A little music to go along with our episode “Corruption Vs. The Ambassador”.

Heroes of Diplomacy: Honoring Dr. Ralph Bunche

Our Sponsors