11 episodes

A look at American foreign policy issues, diplomacy, and projection of power.

Uncle Sam Abroad Unknown

    • News
    • 5.0 • 18 Ratings

A look at American foreign policy issues, diplomacy, and projection of power.

    Aaron Friedberg on "Getting China Wrong"

    Aaron Friedberg on "Getting China Wrong"

    In this episode, we speak with Princeton professor Aaron Friedberg about his new book "Getting China Wrong" and hear sharp analysis about rising tensions between China and the U.S.


    Among the topics discussed are:  China's leadership feeling threatened by the U.S.... The Chinese Communist Party's (CCP's) worldview of mistrust, control, and manufactured nationalism.... CCP intentions of dominating Asia and arranging a bloc of authoritarianism worldwide... the tug-of-war over Taiwan... the ascendant relationship between Beijing & Moscow... how the U.S. is positioning itself... etc.

    ------>  OUR GUEST is Dr. Aaron Friedberg, a professor of politics and international affairs at Princeton University and a specialist in US-China relations, great-power competition, and US foreign and defense policy. From 2003 to 2005, Dr. Friedberg served as deputy assistant for national security affairs in the Office of the Vice President of the United States. He's the author of several books and articles, and currently serves on serves on the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission. He earned a PhD and a Bachelor's degree in government from Harvard University.

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    The "Uncle Sam Abroad" podcast - through direct interviews - delves into U.S. foreign policy issues and the ways in which the United States Projects its power. 

    (Grab a listen.  Be more informed.)

    • 58 min
    Can the U.S. and China avoid war? (part 2)

    Can the U.S. and China avoid war? (part 2)

    In this episode, we continue our discussion with Texas A&M University professor Christopher Layne about whether the U.S./China can ultimately avoid war.



    Topics include:  Prospects for mutual accommodation... How Taiwan's dominance in advanced chip manufacturing presents a major risk.... China's strength as "restoration" of its great power status.... The idea of "threat inflation".... Whether the U.S. policy mindset leaves any room for steering away from a collision course. 


    ------>  OUR GUEST is Prof. Christopher Layne, University Distinguished Professor of International Relations, and Robert M. Gates Chair in National Security at Texas A&M.

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    The "Uncle Sam Abroad" podcast - through direct interviews - delves into U.S. foreign policy issues and the ways in which the United States projects its power. 

    (Grab a listen.  Be more informed.)

    • 30 min
    Can the U.S. and China avoid war? (part 1)

    Can the U.S. and China avoid war? (part 1)

    In this episode, we speak with a senior professor of international relations at Texas A&M University.
    Topics include:  how this blistering competition between 2 superpowers mirrors tensions that immediately preceded World War 1... how America's foreign policy establishment views China... how China's re-absorption of Hong Kong works against prospects for avoiding war... and the importance of status, prestige, and honor.


    ------>  OUR GUEST is Prof. Christopher Layne, University Distinguished Professor of International Relations, and Robert M. Gates Chair in National Security at Texas A&M.

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    The "Uncle Sam Abroad" podcast - through direct interviews - delves into U.S. foreign policy issues and the ways in which the United States projects its power. 

    (Grab a listen.  Be more informed.)

    • 39 min
    U.S. efforts in chaotic Sudan

    U.S. efforts in chaotic Sudan

    In this episode, we speak with a Sudanese activist raised in London who's on the ground in Khartoum as that country grapples with myriad issues, including the absence of any government.
    Listeners will hear about Khartoum's streets.... decades of dictatorship giving way to coups and power vacuums.... U.S. intentions.... turnover amongst U.S. envoys to the Horn of Africa.... $700 million in American assistance tangled up in Sudan's turmoil.... a "gigantic" U.S. embassy.... and the aspirations of a pro-democracy movement that's under threat.

    ------>  OUR GUEST is Kholood Khair, a political analyst, activist, and head of a Sudanese think tank aimed at supporting a transition toward a civilian-led democracy in Sudan. She earned a Master's degree from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, and from Oxford University.


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    The "Uncle Sam Abroad" podcast - through direct interviews - delves into U.S. foreign policy issues and the ways in which the United States projects its power. 

    (Grab a listen.  Be more informed.)

    • 43 min
    10 Years at the CIA, with Egypt a Major Focus

    10 Years at the CIA, with Egypt a Major Focus

    In this episode, we chat with a former CIA analyst about Egypt.... its relationship with the U.S.... what it was like to monitor fast-moving events of the Arab Spring for the CIA.... whether the $1.3 B in annual military assistance the U.S. sends to Egypt is disproportionate.... U.S. contributions to Egyptian health & hygiene... the CIA as a bureaucracy.... and more.


    ------>  OUR GUEST is Julia Santucci, who spent a decade as a Middle East analyst at the CIA from 2005 until 2015.  She also served on the staff of the White House's National Security Council (NSC) for 2 years as an Egypt specialist before joining the State Dept. to work on global women's issues.  Currently she's a senior lecturer in Intelligence Studies at the University of Pittsburgh.  

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    The "Uncle Sam Abroad" podcast - through direct interviews - delves into U.S. foreign policy issues and the ways in which the United States projects its power. 

    (Grab a listen.  Be more informed.)

    • 42 min
    Azerbaijani Ambassador Suleymanov

    Azerbaijani Ambassador Suleymanov

    In this episode, we speak with Ambassador Elin Suleymanov of Azerbaijan. We discuss military security cooperation between the U.S. and Azerbaijan... European energy security... Russia's invasion of Ukraine... the Oklahoma national guard's formal partnership with Azerbaijan... the U.S.-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce efforts to promote business ties... Green energy efforts... and more.


    ------>  OUR GUEST is Elin Suleymanov. Currently Azerbaijan's ambassador to the U.K., he spent a decade as his country's ambassador to the U.S. until 2021. He was the first Azerbaijani to graduate from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, and he holds degrees from Azerbaijan State University, Moscow State University, and the University of Toledo in Ohio.  

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    The "Uncle Sam Abroad" podcast - through direct interviews - delves into U.S. foreign policy issues and the ways in which the United States projects its power. 

    (Grab a listen.  Be more informed.)

    • 34 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
18 Ratings

18 Ratings

TressaAzure ,

Well Informed and articulate guests

I enjoy the first-hand perspectives the guests share. Cresci fosters a dialogue in which they bring their unique experiences and intelligent insights to the conversation.

Konabanonita ,

Unique insights

As a news junkie I can’t find another source that offering deep dive insights from these kinds of experts about American foreign policy. I want analysis without all the agenda and slant. Mr Cresci delivers.

trevormartin227 ,

Keep it up

I find this kind of deep dive to be really interesting and informative.

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