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American Academy of Diplomacy

@acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social
67 followers 32 following 160 posts

Former ambassadors and leaders in foreign policy working to support and strengthen U.S. diplomacy. Reposts ≠ endorsements; articles are views of authors

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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
This #FunFactFriday, let's learn about diplomatic pouches! What do they look like, what protections do they have, and how was someone almost shipped in one?
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
The U.S. ends global health funding to Zimbabwe after officials rejected an "America First" aid deal over sovereignty concerns. Health activists fear a pubic health crisis while Zimbabwe plans to seek alternative funding. www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
washingtonpost.com
U.S. ends health aid to Zimbabwe after ‘America First’ deal is spurned
The African nation refused to make an agreement with the Trump administration, which has sought to slash foreign assistance and impose new terms on recipients.
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The American Academy of Diplomacy is honored to announce that the winners of the 2026 Ross Media Award for Reporting and Commentary on the Practice of American Diplomacy are Nic Robertson of CNN and Nahal Toosi of POLITICO.
x.com
Academy of Diplomacy (@AcadofDiplomacy) on X
The American Academy of Diplomacy is honored to announce that the winners of the 2026 Ross Media Award for Reporting and Commentary on the Practice of American Diplomacy are @NicRobertsonCNN of @CNN ...
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The US State Department announced Monday that visas of certain officials from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru will be revoked, citing accusations of corruption. apnews.com/article/visa...
apnews.com
US revokes visas from Latin American officials, including Bolivia’s top prosecutor
The Trump administration is revoking the visas of 27 Latin American officials and their families, including Bolivia’s attorney general, over accusations of corruption.
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Academy member Ambassador James Jeffrey discusses the possible shifts in Israeli foreign policy with its near abroad, including Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey, as October elections approach. en.majalla.com/node/333242/...
en.majalla.com
Israel and the near abroad after October elections
The Israeli election could open the door to different Israeli policies towards its near abroad conflicts and tensions, from Gaza and Lebanon to Syria, Türkiye and Iran
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
The State Department issued a warning on Saturday for Americans in the Middle East to “exercise heightened vigilance” after the Houthis launched a missile toward Riyadh. The Department noted the conflict could escalate rapidly. thehill.com/policy/inter...
thehill.com
Americans in Middle East warned to ‘exercise heightened vigilance’ following strikes on Riyadh
The State Department on Saturday warned Americans in the Middle East to exercise caution, after the Iranian-backed Houthis launched an attack on the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh. Citing “tension…
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Poland is reinforcing its border with Ukraine amid recent Russian drone strikes, with one of the strikes hitting a train. The strikes came amid a series of incidents involving other NATO members, including Lithuania and Denmark. www.cnn.com/2026/09/15/e...
cnn.com
Poland reinforces border with Ukraine amid growing security concerns across Europe | CNN
Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz announced Tuesday that the country is reinforcing security at its border with Ukraine after Russian drone strikes near crossings heightened concerns a...
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Former Assistant Secretary of State Susan Thornton shares tales of negotiations to disarm North Korea’s nuclear arsenal. After the all-night negotiations, what was really hidden inside the secret mountain? Susan was there for all of it. americandiplomat.libsyn.com/deep-in-the-...
americandiplomat.libsyn.com
American Diplomat: Deep in the Hermit Kingdom
Former Assistant Secretary of State Susan Thornton joins us with tales of negotiations to disarm North Korea’s nuclear arsenal – What could go wrong? Could anything go right? After chairs have been th...
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
In this episode of Ask a Diplomat, Admiral James Foggo shares insights on U.S. national security, military diplomacy, global challenges, and the importance of strong partnerships with allies. youtu.be/2kPmI_RWZTA?...
youtu.be
Ask a Diplomat feat. Admiral James Foggo
YouTube video by American Academy of Diplomacy
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Campbell attends Washington University in St. Louis and is majoring in International Affairs and Japanese with a minor in Legal Studies. At the Academy, she hopes to be immersed in the world of diplomacy and learn about how Ambassadors influence US foreign relations!
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Academy Member Amb. James Jeffrey argues a continued mutual blockade could weaken Tehran’s position. Jeffrey writes, “Washington thus should play to a stalemate but be ready to respond with a truly devastating counteroffensive if Iran raises the stakes.” www.foreignaffairs.com/iran/case-st...
foreignaffairs.com
The Case for a Stalemate With Iran
America can win if it stays the course.
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
The Venezuelan political opposition argues that the US-Venezuela oil deal may delay democratic restoration by deterring Venezuelan officials from holding elections. The US insists the oil deal won’t impact elections, but election timelines aren't confirmed. www.politico.com/news/2026/09...
politico.com
Trump’s oil deal could scuttle Venezuelan democracy, opposition fears
A U.S. official insisted the country would hold elections but wouldn’t give a timeline.
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Academy Member Ambassador Brian Nichols discusses what drew him to the Foreign Service, provides advice for young people interested in the field, and answers hard questions about the Western Hemisphere and Africa. Watch the full video on our YouTube youtu.be/0qlLM2XWG_k?...
youtu.be
Ask a Diplomat feat. Amb. Brian Nichols
YouTube video by American Academy of Diplomacy
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
In episode 3 of the Can We Keep Up? Amanda Lisi, sits down with Amb. Liliana Ayalde to examine the rise of Chinese influence over Brazil’s telecommunications sectorand the difficulties of warning Brazil about the nat'l security risks youtu.be/z0EAooTHgE8?...
youtu.be
Can We Keep Up? Episode 3: China and Brazil
YouTube video by American Academy of Diplomacy
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to change the name of Lake Ontario to "Lake America" following trade talks with Canada. www.cnbc.com/2026/08/27/t...
cnbc.com
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Episode 2 of Can We Keep Up? Intern, Amanda Lisi, sits down with AAD member Amb. Moreno to cover Chinese investment in Jamaican maritime trade & highway infrastructure, looser rules of diplomatic engagement, & the potential to convert ports into Chinese naval bases youtu.be/jv2eqT0we5I?...
youtu.be
Can We Catch Up Podcast Episode 2: China and Jamaica
YouTube video by American Academy of Diplomacy
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Amb. (ret.) Karen Sasahara sat down with our team for the first episode of Ask a Diplomat, answering questions our followers had about diplomacy and diplomats. Watch the full video on our YouTube, and leave us a comment with your questions for our next guest! www.youtube.com/watch?v=R54v...
youtube.com
Ask a Diplomat feat. Amb. Karen Sasahara
YouTube video by American Academy of Diplomacy
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Reposted by American Academy of Diplomacy
Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
With my comment. www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/au...
washingtontimes.com
The Fate of Hormuz: Iranian attacks force Gulf nations to find work-arounds to war-zone waterway
The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is forcing Middle East nations to explore new routes for critical oil exports, easing the global supply crunch and reducing Iran’s ability to use the waterway as a s...
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Today, we say farewell to our Summer 2026 interns! Thank you, Amanda, Anna, and Will, for all your hard work this semester. We wish you the best of luck in your academic and professional endeavors!
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
In episode 1 of Can We Keep Up? Intern, Amanda Lisi, chats with Amb. Story to discuss risks posed by Chinese influence over military hardware in Venezuela. Tune in to hear Amb. Story unpack debt diplomacy, the current humanitarian crisis, & the future of U.S.-Venezuela relations youtu.be/s2srYmdYDP
youtu.be
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
This #ThrowbackThursday, learn more about #diplomacy in U.S. - Uganda relations! 🇺🇸🤝🇺🇬
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
For 30+ years, AAD's Dillon Book Award has honored the writing on U.S. diplomacy. Winner #1: The Ambassadors and America's Soviet Policy by David Mayers, on Kennan, Bohlen, Harriman, & 75 years of U.S.-Soviet relations. Full list on our website! #diplomacy www.academyofdiplomacy.org/douglas-dill...
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
2026 Summer Intern Anna Liston authored this article featuring Academy members discussing the history of and implications of chances to USAID. Read the full article on our website! Well done Anna! www.academyofdiplomacy.org/_files/ugd/8...
academyofdiplomacy.org
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Amb. Charles Ray argues that America is less a melting pot and more a gumbo, whose component ingredients maintain their character while combining into something richer. open.substack.com/pub/charlie45/…
open.substack.com
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
AAD member Amb. Steven Mann draws on his years as US envoy to Turkmenistan’s gold-plated dictatorship to describe the cult of personality surrounding President Donald Trump. He warns that Trump’s model of governance could outlast his administration. 787casuara.substack.com
787casuara.substack.com
Generations of Vipers | Substack
Geopolitics, impolitics, nopolitics. Click to read Generations of Vipers, a Substack publication.
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
In an interview with India & Global Left, AAD member Amb. Chas Freeman remarks on expanding global geopolitical crises. He examines why major wars grind on despite mounting costs and Ukraine’s efforts to draw in further U.S support, among other topics. youtu.be/T8cAP2sH0e4?...
lnkd.in
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
American Academy of Diplomacy members Jennifer Gavito and answer pressing questions on the Bab El-Mandeb Strait, the Houthi blockade, and what this means for the United States and the world going forward. youtu.be/Y7T5lvmWDUA?...
youtu.be
The Bab El-Mandeb Strait Explained: An interview with Jennifer Gavito and Jeffrey Feltman
YouTube video by American Academy of Diplomacy
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
AAD member Amb. George Kent marks the anniversaries of the 1940 Welles Declaration and the 2018 Crimea Declaration, days apart. He notes how Secretary Pompeo, in echoing the language of, Welles reaffirmed the proper U.S position on territorial integrity. georgepkent.substack.com/p/july-23-19...
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Academy member Ambassador Charles Ray discusses the benefits and dangers of naming public spaces after political figures. He warns, "A healthy republic should be cautious about memorializing any living leader, especially one still in power." charlie45.substack.com/p/the-politi...
charlie45.substack.com
The Politics of Putting a Name on Everything
The GOP under Trump is taking the cult of personality to ludicrous limits.
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Happy 43rd birthday to the American Academy of Diplomacy! 🎉🎂🥳 Since 1983, the Academy's members have been strengthening U.S. diplomacy and enhancing public appreciation of its critical role in foreign policy!
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
AAD member Glenn Gerstell discusses the consequences of the lapse in Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Section 702. He suggests the results are unlikely to be immediately detrimental, but warns of the risks of slower intelligence gathering. www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtj7...
youtube.com
What the Section 702 lapse means for cybersecurity
YouTube video by CyberScoop
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
#Bookrecommendation George Ward recommends Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future by Dan Wang. "The work is fascinating, based on Wang's deep knowledge of China and his wonderful powers of observation." Follow along every Wednesday for more picks #SummerReads #Diplomacy
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
AAD members Amb. James Story and Ricardo Zúñiga say designating two Brazilian criminal groups as terrorist organizations is another alienating U.S. foreign policy move. Now, "Beijing is well positioned to collect the goodwill that Washington is giving up." www.atlanticcouncil.org/dispatches/w...
atlanticcouncil.org
Washington is pushing Brazil toward China
The current trajectory raises the odds that over time more Brazilian firms will prefer partnering with Chinese suppliers and financiers.
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
AAD member Dr. Jenkins warns that Congress is surrendering its own check on presidential power. The threat of an expanded executive, argues Dr. Jenkins, amplifies amid the first branches failure to use its oversight tools, which they are urged to reclaim. steadystate1.substack.com/p/the-coward...
steadystate1.substack.com
The Cowardice of Congress
When fear, party loyalty, and political convenience replace constitutional duty.
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
AAD member Robin Wright describes the functional collapse of the US-Iran ceasefire. She covers Trumps "fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants policy," noting that U.S. foreign policy experts and former policymakers are concerned. www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...
newyorker.com
Donald Trump’s Ad-Lib Strategy on Iran
The President promised to end what had been a quarter century of forever wars in the Middle East. Now the U.S. is mired in an intractable conflict of his own making.
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Reposted by American Academy of Diplomacy
Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Gift article, written by the most recent U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Michael Ratney: www.wsj.com/world/middle...
wsj.com
Essay | Saudi Arabia Was in the Midst of Transformation. Then Came the Iran War.
A former ambassador on how the kingdom can protect its multibillion-dollar societal investment.
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Did you know Walt Disney was a cultural ambassador to Latin America? This #funfactfriday we explore the history and future of Disney Diplomacy.
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
AAD member Amb. George P. Kent examines President Zelensky's dismissal of reformist Defense Minister Fedorov. He argues that the July 15th firing risks damaging troop morale and external partner confidence, though Ukraine will surely continue its fight and innovation. substack.com/@georgepkent...
substack.com
George P Kent (@georgepkent)
Ukrainian President Zelensky fires Minister of Defense Fedorov for a second consecutive July own goal - why now? Nearly a year after Ukraine’s parliament committed an unforced own goal by passing a l...
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
This #ThrowbackThursday, learn more about #diplomacy between the U.S. and Norway!
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be an American diplomat? Or why diplomacy actually matters in today’s world? Post your questions below, and we’ll do our best to answer. This is #DiplomatSupport
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
New #bookrecommendation! Amb. (ret.) Kenneth Quinn recommends Kingdom of Characters by Jing Tsu. “This endlessly engaging volume about the evolution of the Chinese language is a journey through the transformation of the country & will provide insights into cultural communication
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Academy member Ambassador Charles Ray discusses the negative economic impacts of President Trump's tariffs, warning that high consumer prices will continue even after the U.S. war on Iran ends. He urges voters to look beyond single-issue voting. charlie45.substack.com/p/single-iss...
charlie45.substack.com
Single-issue voting is not the answer
We have to consider and defend against every threat
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
#mondayswithmembers: Honoring AAD's first president, Amb. (ret.) David Newsom. After 35 years in the Foreign Service, incl. Ambassador to Libya, Indonesia & the Philippines and Acting Secretary of State, he co-founded the Academy in 1983.
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
In this recent work, AAD member Amb. Chas Freeman argues that Euro-Atlantic dominance of world affairs is over, with the U.S. overthrowing the postwar order it built. He sees a multi-nodal world emerging where middle powers shift attachments freely. chasfreeman662157.substack.com/p/a-world-ag...
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
AAD member Amb. John Herbst argues the Ankara NATO summit may be a turning point for a Ukraine ceasefire, driven by Trump's move to let Kyiv build US-licensed Patriots. He says Ukraine's drone edge has shifted the tides of the conflict and Washington should act. nypost.com/2026/07/09/o...
nypost.com
Ukraine war’s pivot point is now — if Trump and Zelensky move fast
It’s true peace through strength: Ukraine’s drone offensive convinced Trump that a ceasefire may finally be in reach.
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
AAD member Amb. Chas Freeman warns of two crises nearing wider war. On Iran, he sees a torn negotiating framework and few paths back to talks. On Ukraine, he warns that European escalation, such as missile production for Ukraine, invites Russian response. www.youtube.com/watch?v=55Np...
youtube.com
Chas Freeman, Nixon's translator, diplomat and author, on Capitals Uncovered, ep 129
YouTube video by Martin Sieff and Pelle Taylor geopolitics podcast
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Reposted by American Academy of Diplomacy
The Foreign Service Journal @fsjournal.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
As the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary, the new #FSJ explores how diplomacy can continue to advance U.S. interests in a changing world, featuring timely perspectives on #democracy & foreign policy, the National Security Council, VOA, and public diplomacy. Read: afsa.org/foreign-serv...
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Summer Reads is back! Margot Ellis recommends 1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin, it explains "individuals, institutions & circumstances that led to the depression" & "important & relevant lessons on the abuses of power, the allure of great wealth & the protection afforded to the wealthy"
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
In a recent NPR 1A conversation, AAD member Amb. Larry Andre Jr. and fellow panelists weigh the losses from the purging of USAID, one year on. Amb. Andre stresses the value of relationships and earned credibility. the1a.org/segments/if-...
the1a.org
If You Can Keep It: One year after massive State Department layoffs
The importance of U.S. diplomacy and aid overseas.
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American Academy of Diplomacy @acadofdiplomacy.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Diplomacy at the #WorldCup continues! Today the U.S. plays Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16, and you may witness some #diplomacy while you watch! ⚽⭐🏆
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