‘The General and the Ambassador’ discuss U.S. and Libya

“The General and the Ambassador: A Conversation” released a new episode on April 9. In this episode, Ambassador (Ret.) Deborah McCarthy sits down with General (Ret.) Thomas Waldhauser and Ambassador (Ret.) Peter Bodde to discuss the relationship between the U.S. and the Government of National Accord, the interim government for Libya. McCarthy and her guests also discuss U.S. strikes on ISIS, relationships with Russia and Turkey, and current challenges to the stabilization of Libya.

General Waldhausser served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 43 years, retiring in 2019. Prior to retiring, Waldhausser was the Combatant Commander for U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), where he led all-aspects of U.S. security operations across the entire continent of Africa, spanning 53 nations. Waldhauser’s post-military career includes a position on the Board of Governors for the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, as well as a position as a Fellow at National Defense University where he assists with the CAPSTONE course for newly promoted Brigadier Generals and Rear Admirals.

Ambassador Bodde is the former U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Nepal, and Malawi. He retired for the second time in 2019, after being recalled in 2018 to serve as Chargé d’Affaires to the Libya External Office in Tunis. During his 38-year career he developed a strong regional expertise in South Asia serving three tours in Nepal as well as serving in India and Pakistan. Bodde made protecting minority communities, promoting women’s empowerment, and combating Human trafficking a priority in each of his Ambassadorial assignments.

Podcast producer and host Ambassador (retired) Deborah 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.

“The General and the Ambassador: A Conversation” podcast promotes interagency cooperation and is produced by the American Academy of Diplomacy.

To learn more and listen to the podcast, please follow the link below.
The U.S. and Libya’s Civil War

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser and Amb. (Ret.) Peter Bodde greet members of the Libyan Army during a visit to Libya in May 2017. (Photo by U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs/Dominique J. Shelton)

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