Off Duty Diplomat

I picked this episode to re-run because this is the first really reflective episode of the whole podcast. I go into the nexus between being a Black American and a diplomat. I also wrap up final thoughts on working through bias on the visa line. Hopefully you find this episode interesting!

Welcome to the final installment for part 1 of the "Conflicted" series! This week we are zooming in on one of the longest-standing conflicts in the modern world: India and Pakistan. This conflict ties together several concepts we have been discussing this season (and before); colonial aftermath, sectariansism, economic leverage, and nuclear balance of power. We close out with a general discussion and review of whether the conflict was preventable and what the future between the antagonists will likely include. I hope you find the episode informative and interesting!

Did you know the Angolan Civil War was one of the last Cold War proxy wars? It drew involvement from the U.S. and the USSR (as you might have expected), but did you know that China, the DRC, South Africa, and Cuba also got involved? The Angolan Civil War touched many major foreign policy movements and issues over the 25 years it lasted, and many people don't know anything about it. Hopefully, you learn something listening to this episode, I know we learned a lot making it!

Alexis and Fallon go in on the Liberian Civil War in this episode of the Conflicted series. For those who don't know, Liberia has a long history with the United States and is one of the most direct examples of how damaging ethno-nationalism can be. Besides this, many aspects of international conflict came to the public consciousness because of the Liberian Civil War, which you may not know were connected to that event. We discuss child soldiers, "blood diamonds", arms trafficking, CIA involvement in the conflict, and much more!

Welcome back for the next episode in the Conflicted series! This time we discuss the breakdown in Venezuela and how it fits into the larger global migrant crisis. Venezuela is also a clear example of how economic trouble can cause a political system to collapse. Hopefully, you find the episode educational and entertaining!

Here is the video we watch in the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMPX1547Pss

Welcome to a new series from the Off Duty Diplomat Podcast! The 'Conflicted' series will cover conflicts you may have seen in the news. Alexis and Fallon offer details and context on what these conflicts mean for you as a global citizen. We start with the series of uprisings and revolutions across the Middle East and North Africa that began in 2011, commonly called “the Arab Spring”.

Alexis and Fallon dive into the "spicy" world of Sanctions! Several of the topics we discuss in the UN and global political economy epsiode make an appearance. Ever wonder what sanctions even are? Do they work? Why are they such a big deal?

Alexis and Fallon tackle THE international organization itself! What does the UN do? What are they good at? What are they NOT good at? Why do we even need an international forum for countries to work out their drama? What was it like to work there? Find out all of this and more!

This episode engineered and mastered by Sam Regan

Alexis and Fallon dive into a discussion of the concept of international intervention. This one is a pretty interactive episode, so there are plenty of opportunities for you to think through when it should and shouldn't happen. We also try to re-imagine the concept more successfully than it was originally. This is a great one!

Alexis and Fallon talk about the money! How does the global financial system work? What are its roots? How can it be twisted and manipulated by politicians? Tune in and find out!