U.S. ties to the Philippines on “The General and the Ambassador”

The latest episode of Ambassador (retired) Deborah McCarthy’s podcast series “The General and the Ambassador: A Conversation” focuses on U.S. strategic interests in the Philippines. In this episode, Captain Gus Gusentine and Ambassador Harry Thomas discuss their partnership to help the Philippines root out terrorists, fight poverty and address widespread corruption and extrajudicial killings.

McCarthy and her guests examine how the U.S. Embassy and the Special Operations Task Force work together dealing with the terrorist groups in the country, and how knowledge of local history/culture help the U.S. smartly leverage its influence. Ambassador Thomas and Captain Gusentine also discuss the challenge of China and current President Duterte’s threats to cut back the U.S.-Philippine military relationship.

The interviews are part of Ambassador McCarthy’s podcast series “The General and the Ambassador: A Conversation.” The podcast promotes interagency cooperation and is produced by the American Academy of Diplomacy.

McCarthy was the 2018 DACOR Visiting Professor of Diplomacy for the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC). The DACOR Visiting Professor of Diplomacy Program is conducted in partnership with the Diplomatic and Consular Officers, Retired, Inc. (DACOR) organization located in Washington D.C., and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College Foundation. Several times a year retired senior officials, usually Ambassadors with extensive diplomatic experience, come to Fort Leavenworth to interact with the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College students and faculty to provide a Department of State and Chief of Mission perspective to the curriculum. During their visit they also interact with area universities and civic organizations discussing policy, regional, and political expertise, as well as speaking about careers in the Foreign Service.

To learn more and listen to the podcast, please follow the links below.
The Philippines and the U.S.: The Ties that Bind with Captain Gus Gusentine and Ambassador Harry Thomas
“The General and the Ambassador: A Conversation,” The American Academy of Diplomacy