Caalive!

The Council of American Ambassadors was pleased to host former National Security Advisor (NSA) Robert O'Brien on our podcast, American Ambassadors Live! Ambassador (ret.) Jim Rosapepe (Romania, 1998 - 2001) hosted the podcast, diving into various issues that are central to President Trump's foreign policy and national security agenda.  We invite you to tune in for this engaging conversation. NSA O'Brien and Ambassador Rosapepe cover a broad range of topics-- from the Trump Administration's recently released National Security Strategy to the ways that the United States is competing with China.  See below for an excerpt on President Nicolás Maduro and Venezuela:  "He's [President Maduro] had these drug boats, which are now fewer and further in between, but these sicario fast boats running drugs up to America. And President Trump has said "no." I think Maduro pushed him too far, and he's going to pay the price for it." This podcast was recorded on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. About the Speakers Rober

In this episode, Ambassador Jim Rosapepe moderates a conversation with Ambassador Mark Gitenstein to discuss the economic and security challenges facing Europe today. The discussion highlights the impact of EU tariffs on global trade and the ongoing war in Ukraine—issues that are shaping the future of transatlantic relations. Drawing on his experience as U.S. Ambassador to Romania and later to the European Union, Ambassador Gitenstein offers unique insights into how diplomacy, trade, and security intersect in this critical moment. About the Speakers Ambassador Mark Gitenstein served as U.S. Ambassador to the European Union from 2022 to 2024 and previously as U.S. Ambassador to Romania from 2009 to 2012. During his tenure in Brussels, he worked closely on trade, energy, and security policy, including EU coordination on sanctions in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine. In Bucharest, he was recognized for advancing democratic governance, strengthening rule of law, and deepening U.S.-Romanian strategic ties. Befo

In this episode, Ambassador Jim Rosapepe moderates a conversation with Ambassador Mark Brzezinski, son of the late Zbigniew Brzezinski, to discuss Edward Luce’s new biography Zbig: The Life of Zbigniew Brzezinski, America’s Great Power Prophet. Together, they reflect on Brzezinski’s extraordinary journey from Polish immigrant to one of America’s most influential strategic thinkers, his pivotal role as National Security Advisor under President Jimmy Carter, and his prescient vision for the peaceful end of the Soviet Union. The discussion explores his complex legacy, his approach to diplomacy, and the enduring relevance of his ideas for today’s foreign policy challenges. About the Speakers Ambassador Mark Brzezinski is a seasoned diplomat who most recently served as the U.S. Ambassador to Poland from 2022 to 2025, following his tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Sweden from 2011 to 2015. He is the son of the late Zbigniew “Zbig” Brzezinski, who served as National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter. Ambassador

In this episode of American Ambassadors Live!, Ambassador Jim Rosapepe sits down with Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis of California—former U.S. Ambassador to Hungary—for a wide-ranging conversation on diplomacy, domestic leadership, and California’s evolving role on the global stage. From her experiences confronting authoritarianism abroad to spearheading international trade and climate diplomacy at home, Lt. Gov. Kounalakis offers unique insights into how subnational actors like California are shaping foreign policy, advancing clean energy, and responding to global challenges. Tune in for a dynamic discussion on the intersections of democracy, diplomacy, and state-level leadership.

Ambassadors Roundtable with Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley Reflections on U.S.-Brazil Relations and Diplomatic Service Join us for a special edition of our Ambassador Briefing Series as we welcome home Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley, who concluded her service as the United States Ambassador to Brazil under President Joe Biden’s administration. During her two-year tenure in Brasília, Ambassador Bagley played a pivotal role in strengthening U.S.-Brazil relations across diplomacy, trade, climate cooperation, and people-to-people ties. This conversation offers members a unique opportunity to hear firsthand reflections on her experience, the evolving dynamics of U.S.-Brazil relations, and key takeaways from one of the most influential diplomatic postings in the Western Hemisphere. This briefing continues our commitment to providing members with meaningful dialogue on global affairs through exclusive access to senior diplomatic voices returning from post. We invite you to watch a farewell message from Amb

This episode Ambassador Rosapepe interviews Meryl Gordon to discuss her most recent book The Woman Who Knew Everyone: The Power of Perle Mesta, Washington's Most Famous Hostess. The book brings new life to Perle’s lavish life and society adventures in Newport, Manhattan and Washington, while highlighting her important, but nearly forgotten contribution to American politics and the feminist movement.   Perle Mesta was a force to be reckoned with. In her heyday, this wealthy globe-trotting Washington widow was one of the most famous women in America, garnering as much media attention as Eleanor Roosevelt. Listen now to get the author's "behind the scenes" and a peek into the book.  Meryl Gordon is an award-winning journalist and tenured NYU journalism professor. She is the author of four biographies; two have been New York Times bestsellers. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Vanity Fair and The New York Times. A native of Rochester, New York and a graduate of the University of Michigan, Meryl has

Join Ambassador Jim Rosapepe in a conversation with this podcast's guest, Ambassador Nina Hachigian, who is the first US Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy.  Ambassador Nina Hachigian, shares with us the role of the US Representative for City and State Diplomacy defining subnational diplomacy as the official interactions of elected leaders of cities, states, counties, and regions across international borders. The Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy involves supporting these leaders in their international engagements and bringing the expertise and programs of the State Department to them. Listen in to answer important questions: What is Sub-national diplomacy, why is it important and how is it used, how does the United States Sub-national diplomacy compare to other countries' use of sub-national diplomacy? To learn more about International Engagements by U.S. State and Local Governments, click here.    Ambassador Nina Hachigian is the first U.S. Special Representative for Cit

Join Ambassador Jim Rosapepe on a journey with Ambassador Tom Loftus discovering a first-hand history in Norway, dealing with Russia, NATO, EU, and building diplomatic relationships and how each of these topics relates to our current world situation.   Ambassador Tom Loftus served as U.S. ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway from 1993 to 1998. A member of the Wisconsin Legislature from 1977 to 1991, he was the longest-serving Democratic Speaker of the Assembly, from 1983 to 1991. In 1990, he was the Democratic candidate for governor. Ambassador Loftus was special advisor to the director general of the World Health Organization from 1998 to 2005. He was a member of the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents from 2005 to 2011, and in 2020 and 2021 was senior policy advisor to the UW System president. Ambassador Loftus is on the board of the Outrider Foundation. A U.S. Army veteran, he is a UW-Whitewater graduate and earned a master's degree from UW-Madison's La Follette School of Public Affairs. Ambassa

"Migration issues are going be some of the most important diplomatic issues of the 21st century, whether we agree or disagree on them, I think we just have to at least start by acknowledging that they really are important, and that and it's going to be hard to talk about foreign policy without talking about these issues." ~ Ambassador Chris Landau Listen or watch the podcast interview to understand why these issues are going to impact foreign policy decisions in a global way in the coming years. Ambassador Chris Landau served as the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico from 2019 to 2021. During his tenure at the helm of the country’s largest diplomatic mission, U.S.-Mexican relations reached historic highs with the entry into force of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement and unprecedented binational cooperation on migration. Prior to his appointment, Ambassador Landau practiced law in Washington, D.C., for thirty years. For most of that time, he was a partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, and head of the firm’s ap

Ambassador Ryan Crocker presents a frank assessment of the situation in the Middle East after the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. He served as US Ambassador to 6 nations, (Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Syria, Kuwait, and Lebanon). He serves today on the Afghanistan War Commission. Former President George W. Bush called him “America’s Lawrence of Arabia” because of his extensive knowledge of the Middle East.  Please note: this podcast was recorded before the events of April 1, 2024 that killed Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps' overseas Quds Force, and six other officers as they attended a meeting in the Damascus embassy compound.

Join Ambassador G. Philip Hughes and Ambassador Thomas Riley on American Ambassadors Live! with host, Ambassador Jim Rosapepe in a debrief of the Council of American Ambassadors' recent Mission to the Balkans. The three countries visited during the Mission were: Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. Discussed in the podcast are the aspirations of each country to join the EU, the influence of China and Russia in the region, and key take aways from the trip.  Ambassador G. Philip Hughes served as the U.S. Ambassador to Barbados, Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines from 1990 to 1993. Prior his appointment, Ambassador Hughes served as Executive Secretary of the National Security Council during 1989 and 1990. Ambassador Thomas Riley was the United States Ambassador to Morocco from 2003 to 2009. Ambassador Riley was selected as the recipient of the State Department's 2009 Sue M. Cobb Award for Exemplary Diplomatic Service, the only award given by the State Department to a political-appointee Ambassa

Join Ambassador Sondland on American Ambassadors Live! with host, Ambassador Jim Rosapepe discussing Ambassador Sondland's recent book, The Envoy.  Ambassador Sondland shares his experiences while Ambassador to the EU, examining the real job of the ambassador, his relationship with President Zelenskyy, and the differences between career and political ambassadors.  Ambassador Gordon Sondland, the guest for today’s podcast is Ambassador Gordon Sondland. He is the Founder and CEO of Provenance Hotels, a national owner and operator of full-service boutique “lifestyle” hotels. In January 2022 he joined the Board of Directors at AHLA, the American Hotel & Lodging Association. In 2018, Sondland was appointed to serve as the 20th United States Ambassador to the European Union. As Ambassador, Sondland was one of the highest-ranking US officials in Europe and his portfolio included trade, energy, national security, defense agriculture and several other files. Sondland has held positions on Governor Kulongoski’s tr

Join Ambassador Siebert on American Ambassadors Live! with host, Ambassador Jim Rosapepe in a discussion of Sweden's history, partnership with Peace, and the path to joining NATO.   Ambassador Tom Siebert, the guest for today’s podcast, was the Ambassador to Sweden from 1994 to 1998. In 1998, he served as Chairman of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference. The ITU---at the time comprised of representatives of 189 Nations---is the United Nations' specialized agency devoted to telecommunications matters and is the highest decision-making body made up of representatives of governments belonging to an international treaty-making organization. A Washington attorney with over 30 years of private sector experience and a diplomat during the Clinton Presidency in the 1990's, Thomas L. Siebert specializes in international business and governmental affairs related to telecom, IT, renewable energy and clean technology. Ambassador Jim Rosapepe served as the U.S. Ambassador to Romania

Joseph Cirincione joins American Ambassadors Live! host, Ambassador Jim Rosapepe discussing the current nuclear threat. What are the risks? What should be the appropriate response to each risk? How would nuclear war unfold in an isolated location and or globally? What response with inherent ramifications is warranted? Joseph Cirincione a national security analyst and nuclear security expert for the past 40 years. He is an adjunct faculty member at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. He was appointed president of the Ploughshares Fund, a grant foundation focused on nuclear nonproliferation and conflict resolution. He has served on the International Security Advisory Board for Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton and John Kerry and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He is the author of seven books, the most recent title: Nuclear Nightmares: Securing the World Before it is Too Late. Cirincione has also served as vice president for national security and international policy at the C

Ambassador Tod Sedgwick joins American Ambassadors Live! host, Ambassador Jim Rosapepe, considering a question for Slovakia and Europe, "What happens when, not if, Russia cuts it [gas] off?" Join them in a discussion of Slovakia's history to become the sovereign state it is now, Slovakia's military, and current energy situation. Also, learn how the Slovaks view the Russia/Ukraine war and what they are doing to supporting the Ukrainians.   Ambassador Tod Sedgwick served as the former U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia (2010-2015). He serves on the board of the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress along with the board of Foreign Policy 4 America. He is a member of the Ambassadorial Advisory Committee of the Atlantic Council and is on the board of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems. In 2001, he founded IO Energy, an online energy information company covering the natural gas, coal, and electricity industries, and served as its Chairman from 2001 to 2004. He also founded Pasha Publicat

Ambassador Georgette Mosbacher joins American Ambassadors Live! host, Ambassador Jim Rosapepe, to discuss Poland's tenacity, courage, and leadership in regards to the current Ukraine/Russia war, Ukrainian refugees, and energy. Ambassador Mosbacher then goes on to describe the relationship of the European Union with Poland. She describes the EU as viewing the relationship with Poland as a "step-child".

Ambassador John Emerson joins American Ambassadors Live! host, Ambassador Jim Rosapepe, to discuss Germany's perspective regarding the conflict in Ukraine, the energy challenges Germany faces, the impact of internal politics, and the Europe/China relationship. Ambassador John Emerson sees the Germany and Russia's relationship over the past 40-50 years as being schizophrenic. He goes on to explain what causes this type of relationship. One example being "...(German) admiration for the Russian spirit - the Russian soul, and interestingly enough - and this pertains to the current situation - the incredible ability of the Russian people to endure suffering for a long period of time." Ambassador Emerson is the former U.S. Ambassador to Germany (2013-2017). He currently serves as Chairman for the American Council on Germany and is the Vice Chairman for Capital Group International. He serves on the boards of the Pacific Council on International Policy and the German Marshal Fund. He is a long serving member on the

Interested in joining the Foreign Service? Join Ambassador Rosapepe and Director of Talent Acquisition Jeff Smith as they discuss the updated hiring process. What is the Foreign Service? There was a change recently made to join the Foreign Service, what was it and what are the benefits? What are the opportunities and career paths for a Foreign Service officer? Learn the answers to these questions and fun facts. Director of Talent Acquisition Jefferson Smith is a Senior Foreign Service Officer, currently serving as the Director of Talent Acquisition at the Department of State. Since joining the Foreign Service in 2000, Jeff has served overseas assignments in Kuwait City, Kuwait; Zanzibar, Tanzania; Dublin, Ireland; Yaoundé, Cameroon; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; and Kingston, Jamaica. He has also served in Washington, D.C. in four regional bureaus. Ambassador Jim Rosapepe served as the U.S. Ambassador to Romania from 1998 to 2001 and is a member of the CAA Board of Directors. He currently is Chairman and CEO of

Former U.S. Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and former Governor of Virginia, James Gilmore, joined American Ambassadors Live! Podcast host Ambassador Jim Rosapepe to discuss the ongoing situation in Ukraine and Russia's activities in the region.         

Former U.S. Ambassador to the European Union, Gordon Sondland, joined American Ambassadors Live! Podcast host Ambassador Jim Rosapepe to discuss his experiences and the state of U.S. foreign policy.