‘General and the Ambassador’ discuss U.S. diplomats in Russia

In the latest episode of “The General and the Ambassador: A Conversation” podcast host Ambassador (Ret.) Deborah McCarthy discusses the diplomacy in Russia with Ambassador Jon Huntsman and Admiral David Manero. McCarthy’s guests examine the effects of the large expulsion of U.S. diplomats from Russia during a period of heightened tensions, their ground game to advance U.S. interests in a hostile environment, Russia’s toolbox and offensive tactics, and U.S. actions to counter those tools and tactics.

Ambassador Jon Huntsman currently serves as Vice Chair of Ford Motor Company. Huntsman began his career in public service as a staff assistant to President Ronald Reagan. He has served each of the five U.S. presidents since then in critical roles around the world, including as U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Asia, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative, U.S. Ambassador to China, and most recently, U.S. Ambassador to Russia. Huntsman is the only American in history to have served as Chief of Mission in both China and Russia.

Retired Rear Admiral David Manero currently serves as the Senior Defense Official/Defense Attaché London. Manero was diplomatically expelled from the Russian Federation on his first flag assignment as Senior Defense Official/Defense Attaché Moscow. Previous assignments and overseas tours include: Legislative Fellow and acting military legislative assistant for the Senate Minority Leader; and U.S. European Command as chief, Security Cooperation Programs and chief, European Division; U.S. Naval Attaché Moscow.

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. 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 Command and General Staff College Foundation. Several times a year retired senior officials, usually Ambassadors with extensive diplomatic experience, visit Fort Leavenworth to interact with U.S. Army Command and General Staff College students and faculty, and provide a Department of State and Chief of Mission perspective to the curriculum. During their visit the DACOR Visiting Professors of Diplomacy 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.
Serving in Russia: A conversation with Ambassador Jon Huntsman and Admiral David Manero