From Ukraine to Sudan to the Middle East, the world is caught in a web of protracted conflicts—but who has the credibility to mediate peace, and what does true diplomatic leadership look like in times of crisis?

In this episode, GJIA sits down with Dr. Diana Villiers Negroponte, renowned historian, diplomat, and author, to explore the hard truths and hopeful possibilities of international mediation. Drawing on her deep experience—including her work alongside Ambassador John Negroponte and her scholarship on Cold War diplomacy—Dr. Negroponte unpacks how trust is forged in fractured societies and what it takes to resolve even the most intractable conflicts.

They discuss the viability of mediation in the Russia-Ukraine war, the escalating violence across the Middle East, and the power vacuum fueling Sudan’s humanitarian catastrophe. She also reflects on the enduring relevance of James A. Baker’s diplomatic style, evolving U.S.-Russia dynamics, and the essential qualities of modern diplomatic leadership.

As the world searches for stability, this conversation is both a reality check and a call to remain hopeful about diplomacy’s role in building a more peaceful future.

Contact Us!

Support the show

. . .

To read more about key trends in international affairs, head to gjia.georgetown.edu.

Keep up to date with more from the Georgetown Journal of International Affairs:
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter