In this episode, Liz Hirsh Naftali sits down with Ambassador Ryan Crocker, a six-time U.S. ambassador whose service took him to Lebanon, Kuwait, Syria, Pakistan, Iraq, and Afghanistan. From growing up in an Air Force family and traveling internationally as a child, to building a career in some of the world’s most dangerous diplomatic posts, Ambassador Crocker reflects on what diplomacy really is: listening deeply, understanding culture, speaking with adversaries, and knowing when strength must accompany conversation. He shares stories from Beirut, Baghdad, and Kabul, explains the real work of an embassy, and offers a powerful reminder that public service requires empathy, discipline, and a clear sense of purpose.
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