Join us in The Delegates Lounge, an independent podcast on world affairs based in New York City at the United Nations, the hub of global insights in plain sight. We hope you’ll come back often to listen in on some fascinating conversations hosted by J. Alex Tarquinio, a veteran journalist who writes essays for Foreign Policy from her office across the hallway from the UN Security Council chamber. We’ll wade into the rising tide of global threats to peace and security in our discussions with the denizens of high-level diplomacy, as well as assorted scholars, scientists, soldiers, spies, and other influencers. From time to time, we’ll hit the road for sit downs with the world’s movers and shakers, whether it be at NATO’s 75th Anniversary Summit in Washington, D.C. or to parts as yet unknown.
This podcast is solely a production of The Delegates Lounge LLC, which was co-founded by the host and her husband and executive producer, Frank Radford. As we’re a small team, we can’t respond to every message, but we promise to read your messages if you contact us at:
info@thedelegateslounge.com
Or on X, formerly (and still affectionately) known as Twitter:
@alextarquinio of @delegateslounge
Avsnitt
Dining with Diplomats: Midsummer Edition 2025
Welcome to the third edition of "Dining with Diplomats," a series that explores the intersection of food, culture, and diplomacy. In this edition, we'll journey across Europe to discover the diverse celebrations marking the summer solstice.
Swedish Consul General in New York Erik Ullenhag takes us through the significance of the Midsummer holiday in Sweden, where the celebration rivals Christmas in importance. After enduring months of winter darkness, Swedes embrace the nearly endless daylight with maypole dancing, traditional songs about jumping frogs, and a feast featuring fresh potatoes, herring, and sweet summer strawberries. Later in summer, communities gather for crayfish parties, a tradition deeply rooted in Sweden's lake culture.
Our voyage continues to Romania, where Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Andreea Mocanu reveals how geographical diversity shapes regional cuisines. Mocanu shares childhood memories of her grandmother's dawn-to-dusk black cherry jam making and age-old food preservation techniques.
In Bulgaria, UN diplomat Svetozar Dimitrov guides us through a progression of seasonal celebrations, from March's Baba Marta Day to the ancient practice of barefoot walking on hot coals in the Strandzha mountains. Bulgaria's refreshing summer cuisine features a cold yogurt-cucumber soup and kyopolou, a roasted eggplant spread that captures summer's bounty.
Greek and Spanish traditions round out our Mediterranean exploration, with the ancient origins of spanakopita and the cooling comfort of Córdoba's salmorejo, described by one cultural officer as "sunshine in a bowl."
Speakers:
J. Alex Tarquinio (host) is a resident correspondent at the United Nations in New York and co-founder of The Delegates Lounge podcast. @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X and @thedelegateslounge on Instagram.
Erik Ullenhag (guest) is the Consulate General of Sweden in New York. He was formerly a Swedish politician and ambassador to Jordan and Israel. @erikullenhag of and @swedennewyork and @SweMFA on X and @erikullenhag of @swedennewyork and @swedishmfa on Instagram.
Andreea Mocanu (guest) is the Deputy Permanent Representative of Romania to the United Nations in New York. @andreea_mocanu1 of @RomaniaUN_NY and @MAERomania on X and @mfaromania on Instagram.
Svetozar Dimitrov (guest) is First Secretary at Bulgaria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations. @BGmission and @MFABulgaria on X.
References:
The pieces of music introducing and concluding the Bulgarian segment are mentioned by the guest.
“July Morning” by Uriah Heep
"Izlel je Delyo Hagdutin" sung by Valya Balkanska on NASA’s “golden record” sounds and music of earth on the Voyager spacecraft.
A Maritime Expert on Perils at Sea: Undercurrents Part 3
Welcome to the third edition of "Undercurrents," an ongoing series in The Delegates Lounge podcast about the oceans and seas that unite us, and sometimes, divide us.
In this episode, we're continuing our conversation with Michelle Wiese Bockmann, a former longtime analyst with Lloyd's List, one of the world’s oldest continuously running journals that has provided shipping news from London for centuries.
Beneath, above, and at the surface of global shipping lanes, a new era of maritime threats is emerging with potentially devastating consequences for world trade, communications, and security.
Our conversation with Michelle plunges immediately into the rise of cable cutting incidents in the Baltic Sea, where vessels have severed critical undersea infrastructure connecting nations and communications networks. She describes how difficult it is to prove sabotage in these cases, even as NATO deploys artificial intelligence to track suspicious vessel movements. The shadowy "dark fleet" of vessels operating outside international norms presents a particular challenge, with ships engaged in deceptive practices that make monitoring difficult.
Drone warfare has changed maritime security calculations. From the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea using unmanned explosive boats to targeted strikes against commercial vessels, these relatively inexpensive weapons have forced shipping companies to abandon crucial trade routes. The economic impact is staggering. Rerouting around Africa's Cape of Good Hope adds approximately one million dollars in fuel costs per container ship journey, costs ultimately shouldered by consumers worldwide.
Most concerning is the growing inability of international governance frameworks to address these evolving threats. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) was drafted long before modern drone warfare and cable cutting incidents, while Michelle says the International Maritime Organization has become paralyzed by geopolitical divisions. As she sees it, the United States has retreated from its traditional leadership role in these forums, leaving critical environmental and security decisions in limbo.
From the Arctic's opening passages to the complexities of Panama Canal operations, this conversation offers rare insights into the vulnerabilities of our ocean-dependent global economy. Join us for this essential exploration of maritime security challenges that affect everything from the products on our store shelves to the internet connections powering our digital lives.
Subscribe to The Delegates Lounge for more critical insights into the maritime undercurrents shaping global politics, economics, and environmental security.
Speakers:
J. Alex Tarquinio (host) is a resident correspondent at the United Nations in New York and co-founder of The Delegates Lounge podcast. @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X and @thedelegateslounge on Instagram.
Michelle Wiese Bockmann (guest) is a maritime analyst and former longtime writer with Lloyd’s List, one of the world’s oldest continuously running journals. @Michellewb_ on X.
References:
Recent articles by our guest include this opinion piece in the Financial Times.
https://www.ft.com/content/7a89f7ae-cf3b-4e53-88bb-b87916f3eeef
Our host mentions in this episode that she interviewed Michelle for an article in The New York Times when the sanctions were relatively new.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/15/business/energy-stock-market.html
Shadow Fleet is Russia's Dark Gambit: Undercurrents Part 2
Welcome to the second edition of "Undercurrents," an ongoing series in The Delegates Lounge podcast about the oceans and seas that unite us, and sometimes, divide us.
In this episode, we're joined by Michelle Wiese Bockmann, a former longtime analyst with Lloyd's List, one of the world’s oldest continuously running journals that has provided shipping news from London for centuries.
Michelle expounds on the explosive growth of what she calls "the Dark Fleet," also commonly called "the Shadow Fleet," a parallel shipping network that transports sanctioned oil from Russia, Iran, and Venezuela while shippers and receivers thumb their noses at the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
What began as just a small number of vessels in 2018 has mushroomed into more than 700 tankers, by her estimation, roughly 18% of the globally trading tanker fleet. Michelle reveals the elaborate deceptions employed by these vessels: so-called "flag hopping" between opportunistic registries, using Byzantine ownership structures to hide beneficial owners, spoofing location data, conducting ship-to-ship transfers at sea, and operating with questionable or fraudulent insurance that couldn't possibly cover a catastrophic spill.
The environmental and safety risks are staggering. These elderly, poorly maintained vessels, averaging 22 years old, sail through environmentally sensitive areas like the Baltic Sea carrying millions of barrels of oil. "The Dark Fleet is a very serious accident waiting to happen and I'm literally surprised there hasn't been one by now, simply because the condition of these ships is so terrible," Michelle warns, describing a potential billion-dollar environmental disaster waiting to happen. Meanwhile, approximately 25 seafarers per vessel often find themselves unwitting participants in sanctions evasion, with vessel abandonment rates reaching record highs.
A recent Baltic Sea confrontation between Estonian authorities and an unflagged tanker, which we spoke with the Estonian defense minister about in our latest episode, reveals the escalation of geopolitical tensions and limited options available to coastal governments. As sanctions and price caps on Russian oil show mixed results, Michelle says that some privately-owned shipping companies have begun returning to the Russian trade as prices fall below sanction thresholds – potentially improving safety but complicating policy objectives.
Subscribe to The Delegates Lounge for more critical insights into the maritime undercurrents shaping global politics, economics, and environmental security.
Speakers:
J. Alex Tarquinio (host) is a resident correspondent at the United Nations in New York and co-founder of The Delegates Lounge podcast. @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X and @thedelegateslounge on Instagram.
Michelle Wiese Bockmann (guest) is a maritime intelligence analyst and former longtime writer with Lloyd’s List, one of the world’s oldest continuously running journals. @Michellewb_ on X.
References:
Recent articles by our guest include this opinion piece in the Financial Times.
https://www.ft.com/content/7a89f7ae-cf3b-4e53-88bb-b87916f3eeef
Our host mentions in this episode that she interviewed Michelle for an article in The New York Times when the sanctions were relatively new.
Estonia's Defense Minister on Baltic Security: Undercurrents Part 1
Welcome to the first edition of "Undercurrents," a new ongoing series in The Delegates Lounge podcast about the oceans and seas that unite us, and sometimes, divide us.
In this episode, we're joined by Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur. He explains what's happening beneath the surface of maritime confrontations in the Baltic Sea.
Rising tensions have transformed this crucial waterway into a geopolitical flashpoint, with Russia deploying military assets to escort its so-called "shadow fleet" of aging oil tankers. With approximately 60% of Russian oil exports traveling through Baltic waters, these maritime routes have become critical to Moscow's ability to sustain its military operations in Ukraine.
The May incident involving the unflagged tanker "Jaguar," which later acquired a flag and changed names, exemplifies Russia's aggressive strategy. The incident quickly escalated to Russia violating Estonian airspace with a fighter jet. A week later, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations referred to "Baltic pirates" in a polemic during a UN Security Council session.
We caught up with Minister Pevkur right before this week's meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, so we also discussed NATO's defense spending and priorities.
Join us for this riveting conversation that navigates the choppy waters of Baltic security and explores how maritime tensions are reshaping the global security landscape. What happens in these northern waters could have ripple effects far beyond Europe's shores.
Subscribe to The Delegates Lounge for more critical insights into the maritime undercurrents shaping global politics, economics, and environmental security.
Speakers:
J. Alex Tarquinio (host) is a resident correspondent at the United Nations in New York and co-founder of The Delegates Lounge podcast. @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X and @thedelegateslounge on Instagram.
Hanno Pevkur (guest) is the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Estonia. He is an Estonian politician and lawyer who previously served as his country’s Minister of the Interior, Minister of Justice, and Minister of Social Affairs. @HPevkur of @MoD_Estonia on X.
The Trouble with Tariffs: Harvard Economist Jason Furman Weighs In
In pursuit of economic understanding, we speak with Jason Furman, the Harvard economist who co-teaches the university’s core course in the discipline, “Principles of Economics,” Harvard’s most popular course.
The conversation tackles President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariff announcement that sent markets nosediving, that is, until the president hit the pause button. The Harvard economist methodically dismantles the logic behind targeting countries with bilateral trade deficits, using unexpected examples like Madagascar’s vanilla bean exports and Lesotho's diamond exports to illustrate why the approach is fundamentally flawed. "We could eliminate our trade deficits with them," he explains, "and what would that mean? That would mean less vanilla beans and fewer diamonds."
Our wide-ranging discussion touched on Trump’s big, beautiful budget bill and Moody’s downgrade of its U.S. debt rating while, along the way, exploring the linkages between global trade, clean energy, and artificial intelligence. Jason, an economic adviser to President Barack Obama, offers a refreshingly clear-eyed assessment of both the Trump and Biden administration approaches to trade and manufacturing. Despite their different methods (tariffs versus subsidies), both administrations share a nostalgic vision of American manufacturing that doesn't align with today's economic reality.
Listeners are reminded of our guest's Foreign Affairs magazine article "The Post-Neoliberal Delusion" that critiqued Biden's signature economic legislation (see link below). Looking forward, his greatest economic worry is that "the tariffs come back with a vengeance," while his greatest hope lies in the potential of artificial intelligence to "raise productivity growth, raise wages, help with our deficit problems" if implemented thoughtfully.
Speakers:
J. Alex Tarquinio (host) is a resident correspondent at the United Nations in New York and co-founder of The Delegates Lounge podcast. @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X.
Jason Furman (guest) is the Aetna Professor of the Practice of Economic Policy jointly at Harvard Kennedy School and the Department of Economics at Harvard University. He is also nonresident senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and a past U.S. presidential adviser. @jasonfurman of @Harvard and @PIIE on X.
References:
We mention a recent article by the guest in Foreign Affairs magazine so we’re providing the link below.
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/post-neoliberal-delusion
Victor Cha on Korea's Crossroads
The Delegates Lounge podcast commences our third season in a timely conversation with Victor Cha, the well-known Korea watcher who is both president of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a foreign policy think tank based in Washington, D.C. He served in an advisory role to the secretary of defense in the Joe Biden administration and served on the National Security Council in the George W. Bush administration.
In this episode, we delve into the complex geopolitical landscape facing South Korea today, as the country heads into a critical special election on June 3. One month is all that separates the balloting next month from the selection of the candidates vying to replace impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. What distinguishes this election cycle, however, is the unprecedented role of relations between United States and South Korea as a campaign issue. Unlike past elections, when the United States enjoyed consistently high approval ratings among South Koreans, the Trump Administration's tariff policies have created significant economic challenges.
This new dynamic creates challenges for the trilateral relationship between the United States, Japan, and South Korea. The historic Camp David accord reached in 2023 represented unprecedented cooperation, but its future remains uncertain with leadership changes in all three countries. While Japan and South Korea have made progress under Yoon's government in moving beyond historical grievances, the election outcome could determine whether this forward-looking approach continues or reverts to past animosities.
Perhaps the most alarming development in the region is the strengthening alliance between North Korea and Russia. North Korea's direct support for Russia's war in Ukraine by providing ammunition, missiles, and even troops that helped Russia regain parts of Kursk has yielded substantial benefits for Kim Jong-un's regime. The flow of money, food, fuel, and technology from Russia to North Korea has effectively broken the UN sanctions regime, placing North Korea in a much stronger position than when it previously engaged with the Trump administration.
Speakers:
J. Alex Tarquinio (host) is a resident correspondent at the United Nations in New York and co-founder of The Delegates Lounge podcast. @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X.
Victor Cha (guest) is president of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Georgetown University professor, and a former member of the U.S. National Security Council. @VictorDCha, the @CSISKoreaChair @CSISGeopolitics of @CSIS on X.
References:
Our guest in this episode has his own podcast. Listen to The Impossible State on the CSIS website.
https://www.csis.org/podcasts/
Victor Cha is the author of eight books. His two most recent works are mentioned in this episode.
Korea: A New History of North and South
https://www.amazon.com/Korea-New-History-South-North/dp/0300259816
The Black Box: Demystifying the Study of Korean Unification and North Korea
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Box-Demystifying-Unification-Contemporary/dp/0231211090
Talking Tariffs with Mark Zandi, Moody's Chief Economist
As President Donald Trump's self-proclaimed "Liberation Day" approaches on April 2nd, bringing with it a wave of new tariffs, we're joined by an expert who can help us parse rhetoric from reality.
Moody's Chief Economist Mark Zandi explores the potential economic impact of broad-based tariffs on American consumers, farmers, and business owners. As chief economist, he oversees Moody’s global economic forecast. Mark is a frequent guest on American network news shows and hosts the podcast “Moody’s Talks: Inside Economics.” He has advised policymakers at all levels, including giving Congressional testimony on economic matters; so, we’re very lucky to have him help us understand the potential impacts of tariffs.
The president paints a picture of tariffs ushering in an American manufacturing renaissance. Mark explains where, from an economist’s point of view, that theory might run into road bumps. He describes “stroke of the pen risk," the paralyzing uncertainty that dissuades many businesses from making new investments, and how this could impact daily life. Stick around to the end of the episode to find out which classic movie strikes a chord with Mark right now.
Share your thoughts with us at the social media links below and subscribe to our show for more enlightening conversations at the intersection of global affairs and everyday life.
Speakers:
J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Mark Zandi (guest). @MarkZandi of Moody's on X, formerly known as Twitter.
References:
Mark has a weekly economics podcast, Moody’s Talks – Inside Economics.
Alex mentioned that she had interviewed Mark in the past, most recently for a New York Times article about energy.
Connect With Us:
The United Nations Adrift in a Sea of Change
In this episode, we explore the seismic shifts reshaping global diplomacy with Richard Gowan, the International Crisis Group's UN expert and our first-ever return guest, or "friend of the pod."
Recorded at UN headquarters while Trump and Putin conducted a phone call to discuss the war in Ukraine, our conversation captures a pivotal moment in international relations. The timing couldn't be more significant as we analyze how the Trump administration might transform the United States of America's relationship with the United Nations, not through complete withdrawal as some fear, but through strategic disengagement and funding cuts that could devastate humanitarian operations worldwide.
Gowan provides extraordinary insight into the coming UN Secretary-General race, where Latin American candidates are positioning themselves while carefully navigating the Trump administration's preferences. We explore China's calculated approach to filling potential power vacuums and examine how the U.S.-Russia rapprochement is creating an uncomfortable dynamic for traditional American allies, particularly regarding Ukraine peace negotiations.
Our conversation concludes with real-time analysis of the readout of the Trump-Putin call as it hit the host's inbox, providing listeners with expert interpretation of this crucial diplomatic engagement. Whether you're a foreign policy professional or simply concerned about global stability, this episode offers essential context for understanding how the international order is being reshaped before our eyes. Subscribe now to ensure you never miss these vital conversations at the heart of world affairs.
Speakers:
J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X.
Richard Gowan (guest). @RichardGowan1 of @crisisgroup on X.
References:
Alex wrote about Elise Stefanik's confirmation hearing to become the next United States ambassador to the United Nations in Foreign Policy.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/01/17/un-ambassador-elise-stefanik-hearing-confirmation-trump/
Richard wrote about Trump's impact on multilateralism in Foreign Policy.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/03/03/trump-united-nations-multilateralism-diplomacy/
They spoke at length about Richard's recent article on China and Afghanistan for Just Security.
https://www.justsecurity.org/107832/us-china-standoff-afghanistan-un/
Alex mentioned the "virtual cookies" that she shared during UN week. Those may be found here and here.
Connect With Us:
Photo: UNIFIL Maritime Task Force Fleet Conducts Exercise outside Port of Beirut, Lebanon on Feb. 23, 2020.
Slovenia’s Ambassador Pulls Back the Curtain on a Surprise Act at the UN
As the world marked the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Monday, competing resolutions at the United Nations brought tensions within the international community to the forefront. This episode dives deep into the diplomatic maneuvering and dueling agendas, revealing the complexities that reshape alliances and influence decisions made at the United Nations. As our host explains, the anniversary this week was Act One in a three-act tragedy that culminated in the Oval Office on Friday, February 28.
The guest in this episode, Samuel Zbogar, Slovenia's UN ambassador who sits on the UN Security Council, offers invaluable insights into the intricacies of the negotiation process and the challenges faced by countries seeking to support Ukraine against ongoing aggression. Listeners are treated to a vivid narrative highlighting the unexpected shift in United States foreign policy and its implications for Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape. What does it mean when one of the most significant military powers distances itself from traditional allies? The final act played out in the Oval Office on Friday, when Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelenskyy was bushwhacked as both the U.S. president and vice president accused him of being disrepectful and unthankful.
There is a bonus segment with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski explaining how he was lied to over Shaheed drones by Iran, one of which was on display across from the UN.
Speakers:
J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X.
Samuel Zbogar (guest). @Samuel_Zbogar of @SLOtoUN
References:
The host wrote about Slovenia's election to the UN Security Council in Foreign Policy.
Alex also wrote about the confirmation hearing of Elise Stefanik for United States Ambassador to the United Nations.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/01/17/un-ambassador-elise-stefanik-hearing-confirmation-trump/
We'll add photos and videos of the Iranian Shahed drone display on our social media.
The View From Paris: A French Political Scientist on the New Direction in Washington
Get ready to explore the turbulent waters of transatlantic relations with our guest, French political scientist Celia Berlin. Discover how the Trump administration's controversial actions, including remarks from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance, have sent ripples across Europe, particularly in response to the tensions over Ukraine. With President Macron at the helm, rallying European leaders to counter these shifts, Celia provides a nuanced perspective on the strategic and emotional dynamics at play in European capitals as they brace for potentially profound changes in US foreign policy.
We'll navigate the shifting political currents within Europe, where figures like Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Marine Le Pen are recalibrating their positions in light of global developments. As we dissect the responses from the far-right, including Germany's AfD and France's Reconquête, you'll gain insight into how these parties are juggling admiration for Trump with the real-world implications of his alignment with Kremlin narratives. The episode also delves into JD Vance's incendiary address at the Munich Security Conference, sparking dialogue on free speech, political realignments, and the future of European security.
As we round out our discussion, we'll confront the broader implications of a potential second Trump administration on the transatlantic alliance, exploring how European leaders are responding to the existential question of strategic autonomy. From Macron's calls for a European army to the historical context of French skepticism towards NATO, we assess Europe's readiness to assert its significance in global affairs amid unsettling US rhetoric. Immerse yourself in this comprehensive examination of a relationship under strain and the strategies European leaders are employing to navigate these uncharted waters.
Speakers:
J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X.
https://foreignpolicy.com/author/j-alex-tarquinio/
Célia Belin, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations and head
of its Paris office (guest). @celiabelin on X.
https://ecfr.eu/profile/celia-belin/
References:
The host has quoted the guest in the following Foreign Policy articles.
Macron’s China Trip Is a Fool’s Errand
https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/04/06/macron-france-china-visit-pension-protests/
Putin’s War is Shaking Up the French Election
https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/03/10/russia-war-france-elections-macron/
The Education of Pap Ndiaye
https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/07/17/france-politics-culture-war-education-pap-ndiaye-education-minister/
Reflections on Diplomatic Frontlines: Ukraine's Ambassador to the UN Speaks Out
We’re beginning our second season in conversation with Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Nations, Sergiy Kyslytsya. As listeners will recall, he challenged Russia’s representative to the United Nations during a late-night emergency session of the UN Security Council three years ago, when Russia launched a predawn invasion of his country during the meeting. We sat down with the Distinguished Representative of Ukraine earlier this month at his country’s mission to the United Nations for an exclusive exit interview, as his dramatic tenure at the United Nations is drawing to a close.
Speakers:
J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X.
H.E. Sergiy Kyslytsya, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations (guest). @SergiyKyslytsya of @UKRinUN on X.
References:
The music from this social event that you hear briefly in the podcast was performed by the Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of New York.
https://dumkachorus.org/about
The Ukrainian ambassador challenged the Russian representative when Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began during an emergency session of the UN Security Council.
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1j/k1j8unn1me
During the U.S. Senate confirmation hearing of the UN ambassador designate of the United States, the nominee was asked about the following presidential executive order.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/reevaluating-and-realigning-united-states-foreign-aid/
The exchange can be heard here at the 2:10-minute mark. The hearing discussed humanitarian aid for Ukrainian war refugees at the 2:24-minute mark.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeL1yQpGidg
The United States is the largest contributor to the UN budget overall and to various UN programs and agencies, which is further explained in this Foreign Policy article by our podcast host.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/01/17/un-ambassador-elise-stefanik-hearing-confirmation-trump/
The ambassador gave a lecture at the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics organized by the Center for Russian, East European, & Eurasian Studies.
https://www.kansan.com/news/ku-alum-and-ukraine-u-n-ambassador-returns-to-ku/article_69e0ae9a-a29c-11ef-a028-bbad4cd36edd.html
Some related links to the farewell party for Ukraine’s UN ambassador at the Ukrainian Institute of America.
http://bit.ly/4gcUp3F
https://ukrainianinstitute.org/
https://veselka.com/pages/veselka-the-movie
Dining with Diplomats: The Secret Sauce of Gastrodiplomacy
Welcome back to the second part of our culinary special podcast miniseries: “Dining with a Dozen Diplomats.” Discover how joining together over a simmering pot of gumbo or carving a roast lamb can bridge cultural divides and foster diplomacy. Above all, get ready for some practical tips on hosting with warmth and creativity, even when things don't go according to plan. In the first episode, in our playlist below, our host J. Alex Tarquinio elicited recipes and reminisces from foreign ministers and permanent representatives, so-called because they lead their country’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations. In this episode, we continue the conversation with ambassadors and with the president of the United Nations Delegations Spouse’s Club, as we delve deep into the secret sauce of gastrodiplomacy.
Contributors:
The Delegates Lounge
J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge
Australia
H.E. Rebecca Bryant, Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations. @BecsBry @AustraliaUN
Malta
H.E. Vanessa Frazier, Permanent Representative of Malta to the United Nations. @_VanessaFrazier @MaltaUNMission
United States
H.E. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Permanent Representative of the United States of America for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations. @USUN
Zambia
Mrs. Cecilia Kanyangwa Milambo, President of the United Nations Delegations Spouse’s Club and of the United Nations African Ambassadors Spouses Group; spouse of H.E. Dr. Chola Milambo, Permanent Representative of Zambia to the United Nations. https://www.facebook.com/UNDWCNewyork/
References
The host mentioned her essay about soft power in Foreign Policy:
https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/08/06/russia-ukraine-soft-power-culture-diplomacy-fellas-nafo/
U.S. President Richard Nixon ate with chopsticks at a banquet given in his honor by Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in 1972. It’s an example of gastrodiplomacy making an impact on world history.
https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/nixon-chopsticks
Visit our website to discover some of the recipes suggested in episodes one and two of our culinary special, “Dining with a Dozen Diplomats.”
Dining with Diplomats: Holiday Edition 2024
Embark on a culinary exploration with us as we uncover the cherished comfort foods and cultural tales shared by diplomats from an assortment of countries. These twelve diplomats offer insights into how food can serve as a bridge between peoples both past and present.
For the “Dining with a Dozen Diplomats” culinary special episode, our host J. Alex Tarquinio chatted with foreign ministers, with permanent representatives, so-called because they lead their country’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, and with the president of the United Nations Delegations Spouse’s Club.
Contributors:
The Delegates Lounge
J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge
Australia
H.E. Rebecca Bryant, Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations. @BecsBry @AustraliaUN
Brazil
The Consulate General of Brazil in New York. @Itamaraty_EN
Cyprus
H.E. Maria Michail, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cyprus to the United Nations. @MichailmariaCY @CyprusinUN
The Czech Republic (Czechia)
H.E. Martin Dvořák, Minister for European Affairs of the Czech Republic. @_MartinDvorak @CzechMFA
Estonia
H.E. Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia. @Tsahkna @MFAestonia
Finland
H.E. Elina Valtonen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland. @elinavaltonen @Ulkoministerio
Malta
H.E. Vanessa Frazier, Permanent Representative of Malta to the United Nations. @_VanessaFrazier @MaltaUNMission
Portugal
H.E. Rui Vinhas, Permanent Representative of Portugal to the United Nations.
Slovenia
Mr. Klemen Ponikvar, Political Coordinator of the Permanent Mission of Slovenia to the United Nations. @SLOtoUN
Switzerland
H.E. Pascale Baeriswyl, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations. @SwissAmbUN_NY @swiss_un
United States
H.E. Robert A. Wood, Alternate Representative of the United States of America for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations. @USUN
Zambia
Mrs. Cecilia Kanyangwa Milambo, President of the United Nations Delegations Spouse’s Club and of the United Nations African Ambassadors Spouses Group; spouse of H.E. Dr. Chola Milambo, Permanent Representative of Zambia to the United Nations. https://www.facebook.com/UNDWCNewyork/
References:
My Foreign Policy essay about Slovenia’s campaign for an elected seat on the United Nations Security Council.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/06/09/belarus-slovenia-russia-united-nations-security-council-rotating-seat/
Recipes referred to can be found on our website: https://thedelegateslounge.com/
A Canadian Officer Resigns to Join Belarusians Fighting for Ukraine, Part 3
Join us for a firsthand account of life on and near the battlelines in Eastern Ukraine by Dave Smith, a former Canadian infantry officer who resigned to fight for Ukraine. This is the third episode in our multi-part series where Dave explores the evolving tactics and motivations that define the conflict. He offers listeners a deep dive into the experiences of soldiers and citizens that’s brimming with insights into how the geopolitical climate —including the election of former American President Donald Trump and the arrival of North Korean troops in Russia’s Kursk region — shape Ukrainian optimism despite the war weariness.
J. Alex Tarquinio (https://x.com/alextarquinio) and Frank Radford, our hosts in The
Delegates Lounge, (https://x.com/delegateslounge) had three conversations with Dave Smith. The hosts spoke from New York, while Dave spoke from Ukraine via web conference in July and October, and from London in November.
References
In a background briefing by the U.S. Department of Defense in October, the Pentagon estimated that Russia had sustained at least 600,000 casualties, including killed and wounded, since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Some estimates range much higher.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3932364/a-senior-
defense-and-military-official-host-a-background-briefing-on-russias-wa/
The Pentagon estimated in November that 11,000 North Korean troops had moved into Russia’s Kursk region.
https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3968230/north-korean-troops-enter-kursk-where-ukrainians-are-fighting/
Radio Free Europe published an article last year citing some Russian contract soldiers and their families claiming that the state hadn’t honored payments or pardons promised in their contracts. A Reuters photo in the article was reminiscent of the Squid Games drama.
https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-systema-investigation-contract-soldiers-pay-pardons-promises-broken/32676712.html
We shared some of our guest’s bylines with listeners in the show notes for the first
episode in this mini-series. Here is his latest essay about his life in Kharkiv for the online magazine Merion West.
https://merionwest.com/2024/11/27/at-home-in-the-war/
A Canadian Officer Resigns to Join Belarusians Fighting for Ukraine, Part 2
Join Dave Smith, a former major in the Canadian Armed Forces, fighting alongside Belarusian Partisans for Ukraine. From the intense battlegrounds North of Kharkiv to the life-saving professional efforts within its hospitals, Dave offers a raw and authentic soldier's viewpoint of what it is to fight up close on the line of engagement - the Zero Line.
The conversation sheds light on the grim realities of capturing Russian conscripts and subsequent efforts at prisoner exchanges, exploring the stark differences in how Ukrainian and Russian forces handle detainees. Dave provides insights on how compromised platforms like Telegram play a crucial role in the information war. He offers a fascinating look at the North Atlantic Fella Organization (NAFO), an internet meme movement that supports Ukraine. Dave's candid reflections, paint a vivid picture of the way in which humor enables both young and old to cope with the stresses of war.
J. Alex Tarquinio and Frank Radford, our hosts in The Delegates Lounge, spoke from New York, while Dave spoke from Ukraine via web conference. Part 1 of this conversation began in July with Dave's account of his journey and his insights into the war up until that point. This took place before his regiment was deployed to fight North of Kharkiv. For Part 2, we spoke with Dave in October, after intense combat with Russian conscripts on the Zero Line and his recent stay in a hospital in Kharkiv. He also described how soldiers use social media on the frontlines. As he relates his battlefield experiences, listeners will catch a rare glimpse into how international policies directly impact those on the front lines.
References:
Alex mentioned an essay that she wrote for Foreign Policy about soft power which included the NAFO fellas Internet meme.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/08/06/russia-ukraine-soft-power-culture-diplomacy-fellas-nafo/
Dave related a story about standing in a trench and watching a video of that same position being hit two days earlier in a social media video. He graciously shared a video of that experience with us, and here are the links on Instagram and X.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DCKDdJLJql4/
https://x.com/alextarquinio/status/1855287497288266063
Dave joined the Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regiment of Belarusian volunteers fighting in support of Ukraine.
A Canadian Officer Resigns to Join Belarusians Fighting for Ukraine, Part 1
Discover why the traditional military doctrines are being upended as we engage with Dave Smith, a former major in the Canadian Armed Forces who made the extraordinary leap to volunteer as a fighter in Ukraine. Listen to Dave's compelling narrative about leaving a secure military career to join the Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regiment, a unit of Belarusian Partisans opposing Alexandr Lukashenko and fighting to defend Ukraine against the Russian invasion.
J. Alex Tarquinio and Frank Radford, our hosts in The Delegates Lounge, spoke from New York, while Dave spoke from Ukraine via web conference. This is Part 1 of our conversation, which began in July with Dave's account of his journey and his insights into the war up until that point. He was about to go on a major operation. Tune in next week for Part 2. We followed up with Dave as he was ending his latest rotation on Ukraine's Eastern Front in October. As he relates his battlefield experiences, listeners will catch a rare glimpse into how international policies directly impact those on the front lines.
References:
Dave Smith co-authored the following article in Real Clear Defense with Julian Spencer-Churchill:
https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2024/07/03/a_view_from_the_trenchline_1041979.html
Dave’s recent articles in Merion West:
https://merionwest.com/2024/08/29/a-portrait-of-a-stubborn-ukrainian/
https://merionwest.com/2024/10/06/the-origins-of-a-partisan/
Dave joined the Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regiment of Belarusian volunteers fighting in support of Ukraine.
https://kalinouski.org/en/
Dave mentioned the “Leeroy Jenkins” battle cry from this video game meme.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLyOj_QD4a4
Finland's Foreign Minister on Financial Reform and Global Stability
Join us for a succinct conversation with Finland's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, as she shares her deep views on the Pact for the Future straight from the United Nations General Assembly Week. Minister Valtonen emphasizes the pressing need for equitable funding access for developing countries and the critical role of public-private partnerships and transparent tax systems in achieving economic stability in the Global South. We also delve into the repercussions of sanctions on Russia, examining their complex influence on Russia's inflation and interest rates.
J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Elina Valtonen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Finland (guest). @elinavaltonen of @Ulkoministerio on X, formerly known as Twitter.
References:
Alex, our podcast host, wrote the United Nations General Assembly curtain raiser for Foreign Policy, and in it, she explains the Pact for the Future. Here's a gift link for nonsubscribers.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/09/23/unga-summit-united-nations-dysfunction-guterres-russia/
The Pact for the Future is explained on this site about the Summit of the Future.
https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future/pact-for-the-future
We spoke about the high interest rates in Russia and Central Bank of Russia Chief Elvira Nabiullina.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/12/11/russia-central-bank-chief-ukraine-war-ruble-value/
Estonia's Foreign Minister On Digital Leadership in the AI Era
Listen in on our conversation with Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia, as he explains the intricate connections between global diplomacy and digital innovation. We caught up with Estonia's foreign minister during the United Nations General Assembly week. Our discussion touched on the Pact for the Future and Estonia's leadership in digital innovation and cybersecurity, exploring his take on the delicate balance between fighting Artificial Intelligence-driven disinformation and preserving freedom of speech.
This segment also highlights how digital voting has boosted voter participation in Estonia, especially among younger and mobility-challenged populations, and the critical role of providing objective information to support democratic debates and informed decision-making. Finally, he described his views on the relationship between the conflicts in the Middle East and in Ukraine and explained what he thinks "it" means when talking about victory for Ukraine.
Join us for this episode that navigates the complexities of international diplomacy, cybersecurity, and AI.
Speakers:
J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of delegateslounge on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia (guest). @Tsahkna of @MFAestonia on X, formerly known as Twitter.
References:
Alex, our podcast host, wrote the United Nations General Assembly curtain raiser for Foreign Policy, and in it, she explains the Pact for the Future, and quotes Ambassador Robert Wood along with other UN experts. Here's a gift link for nonsubscribers.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/09/23/unga-summit-united-nations-dysfunction-guterres-russia/
The Pact for the Future is explained in this site about the Summit of the Future.
https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future/pact-for-the-future
Our guest spoke about Estonia's role in the Freedom Online Coalition.
https://freedomonlinecoalition.com/
Ambassador Robert Wood on Realizing the 'Pact for the Future' at the UN
Join us as we sit down with Ambassador Robert Wood, the Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations, for an exclusive conversation about the effort to get the Pact for the Future approved and the expectations from it to include the critical need for Security Council reform to make the UN system more effective and legitimate.
As we shift focus to some of the world's most urgent conflicts, we navigate the dire humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the ongoing situation in Ukraine. We also analyze Iran's destabilizing actions in the Middle East and their nuclear advancements. Don't forget to tune in and connect with us on social media to stay updated on world affairs.
J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Ambassador Robert Wood, Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations (guest). The U.S. Mission to the United Nations can be found at @USUN on X, formerly known as Twitter.
References:
Alex, our podcast host, wrote the United Nations General Assembly curtain raiser for Foreign Policy, and in it, she explains the 'Pact for the Future,' and quotes Ambassador Robert Wood along with other UN experts. Here's a gift link for nonsubscribers.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/09/23/unga-summit-united-nations-dysfunction-guterres-russia/
The Pact for the Future is explained in this site about the Summit of the Future.
https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future/pact-for-the-future
In recent remarks to the Council on Foreign Relations, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations, discussed the U.S. commitment and vision for reforming the United Nations Security Council.
https://www.cfr.org/event/conversation-us-ambassador-united-nations-linda-thomas-greenfield
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on the Future of Belarus
While at the NATO 75th Anniversary Summit in Washington, D.C. in July we had the good fortune to cross paths with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the leader of the Belarusian opposition in exile. In our exclusive interview, she highlighted the moral duty of democratic nations to support both Belarus and Ukraine. Sviatlana frames this commitment as a crucial investment in global security.
We asked her how she saw the future in Belarus after Lukashenko. The conversation also brought into the light the significant role of Belarusian volunteers fighting in Ukraine and the profound risks they and their families face. Tune in for this riveting conversation on the future of Belarus and the broader battle for democracy around the world.
Speakers:
The host is J. Alex Tarquinio. @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Our guest is Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. @Tsihanouskaya on X, formerly known as Twitter.
References:
The Washington Post opinion article by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and former U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/07/09/nato-putin-lukashenko-pelosi-tikhanovskaya/
The Foreign Policy article about the election between Belarus and Slovenia for a seat on the United Nations Security Council by our podcast host J. Alex Tarquinio.
Norway's Foreign Minister and Arctic Council Chair on Securing The High North
What if the melting Arctic ice could reshape global power dynamics? Join us as we sit down with Norway's Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide, to discuss the emerging significance of the Arctic region in today's geopolitical landscape. From the creation of new sea routes to the evolving strategic challenges in the Arctic, Minister Eide offers an in-depth look at the interplay between environmental change and international diplomacy. J. Alex Tarquinio, our host in The Delegates Lounge, sat down with Norway’s foreign minister during the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's 75th Anniversary Summit in Washington.
With the accession of Finland and Sweden into NATO, the Russian Federation is now the only Arctic state that’s not a member of NATO. But Moscow has more military bases within the Arctic Circle than the NATO members overall. For its part, China has declared itself a “near Arctic nation,” a claim that Norway’s foreign minister brushed aside.
Speakers:
J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Espen Barth Eide, Norway’s Foreign Minister (guest). @EspenBarthEide of @NorwayMFA on X, formerly known as Twitter.
References:
Espen Barth Eide, during his first term as foreign minister, in the government of Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, invited NATO members to the Arctic in 2013.
https://www.nato.int/docu/review/articles/2013/05/06/the-changing-arctic-how-involved-should-nato-be/index.html
Russia's military bases inside the Arctic Circle outnumber NATO’s, according to data compiled by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and Reuters.
https://www.reuters.com/graphics/ARCTIC-SECURITY/zgvobmblrpd/
The United States, Canada, and Finland announced the trilateral Icebreaker Collaboration Effort, or “ICE Pact."
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/07/11/biden-harris-administration-announces-new-polar-partnership-ice-pact-alongside-finland-and-canada/
For more on the sanctions, refer to the U.S. Treasury and State Department press releases.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2546
https://www.state.gov/new-measures-to-degrade-russias-wartime-economy/
The United Nations published its latest sea-level rise report in August.
https://www.un.org/climatechange/reports/sea-level-rise
The conversation included a discussion about the influence of the Norwegian political thriller TV series set in the near future "Occupied."
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4192998/
Program Note:
The sharp-eared among you will have noted the bird calls. We received permission from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Macaulay Library for the recording of the Ivory Gull, a Near Threatened Arctic bird.
Credit: Ivory Gull by Stewart D. MacDonald; Cornell Lab of Ornithology | Macaulay Library
NATO's Turning Point: Exclusives with Czech, Estonian and Spanish ministers
Hear directly from the defense minister of Estonia and the foreign ministers of Spain and Czechia. We caught up with these high-level ministers on the sidelines of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s 75th Anniversary Summit in Washington, D.C. this summer. Our conversation highlights the urgency for NATO allies to increase military spending and support Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Delve into the significance of past NATO summits on U.S. politics and the growing security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region, showcasing the interconnectedness of global threats and the importance of transatlantic solidarity.
In this episode, we’ll explore NATO’s southern and eastern flanks in exclusive interviews that J. Alex Tarquinio, our host in The Delegates Lounge, held with Estonia’s Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, and Czechia’s Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský. Each of the ministers emphasized the global nature of security threats today, and how what happens in the Middle East and even as far off as the Indo-Pacific region affects the security of the Transatlantic alliance. We also spoke about the use of sanctions.
Speakers:
J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Hanno Pevkur, Estonia’s Defense Minister (guest). @HPevkur of @MoD_Estonia on X, formerly known as Twitter.
José Manuel Albares, Spain’s Foreign Minister (guest). @jmalbares of @SpainMFA on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Jan Lipavský, Czechia’s Foreign Minister (guest). @JanLipavsky of @CzechMFA on X, formerly known as Twitter.
References:
The NATO Washington Summit Declaration referred to the People’s Republic of China as a “decisive enabler of Russia’s war against Ukraine” and to Ukraine’s “irreversible” path towards NATO membership.
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_227678.htm
This year, NATO estimates that 23 of the 32 member states will reach the goal of spending at least 2% of their gross domestic product on defense.
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_226465.htm
A few days before attending the NATO Washington Summit, Japan announced that it would work with Cambodia on a project to bolster Ukraine’s training and equipment for demining operations.
https://apnews.com/article/japan-cambodia-demining-ukraine-278a7c572b93ee3e9b4d1aa4c912a672
On August 23, the United States imposed new sanctions on around 400 companies and individuals — both inside and outside of Russia — that Washington accuses of enabling the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine by supporting Moscow’s military-industrial base.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2546
https://www.state.gov/new-measures-to-degrade-russias-wartime-economy/
Photo: The first NATO stamp issued by the United States in 1952.
The State of the United Nations on the Eve of the 'Summit of the Future'
When world leaders descend on New York in September, they’ll gather for a “Summit of the Future,” an eleventh-hour attempt to make the United Nations system more credible in the public eye. Ahead of that high-level debate, join us in The Delegates Lounge as we delve deep into the world body’s response to the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine; the great power rivalries between China, Russia and the United States; the potential impact of the upcoming U.S. election on multilateralism; and the challenges to reforming the Security Council as the UN debates its own future.
J. Alex Tarquinio chats with Richard Gowan, our guest in The Delegates Lounge and a familiar face around the UN hallways here in New York after 20 years of monitoring the global institution. He’s the UN Director at the International Crisis Group, an independent nonprofit, non-governmental organization committed to preventing and resolving deadly conflict. He oversees the global NGO’s advocacy work at the UN, liaising with diplomats and officials in New York.
Speakers:
J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Richard Gowan (guest). @RichardGowan1 of @crisisgroup on X, formerly known as Twitter.
References:
A recent article by Richard Gowan on the “Pact for the Future” to be discussed at the “Summit of the Future,” which he mentioned in the interview. The draft version that he reviews here was released on July 17, after the interview in this episode.
https://www.justsecurity.org/98128/united-nations-pact-for-future/
The article by Richard Gowan about the recent U.K. election mentioned in our conversation.
https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/uk-foreign-policy-united-nations/
The host mentioned Martin Griffiths, who was the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator until the end of June 2024. In his final press briefing on June 4, well before the recent pause in UN aid deliveries to Gaza, Griffiths spoke about the challenges of providing security for aid deliveries to Gaza. He specifically addressed the issue of the stolen trucks at several points in his final press briefing, including at the 14-minute, the 26:30-minute, and the 44-minute marks in the following video.
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k16/k16fjab6eu
The host mentioned that the UN “was not very present” at the Summit on Peace in Ukraine in Bürgenstock, Switzerland in June 2024. The UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo attended the summit as an observer.
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/fdfa/fdfa/aktuell/dossiers/konferenz-zum-frieden-ukraine.html
The host and guest discussed the U.S. financial contributions to the UN system. These are explained in the following “backgrounder” article by the Council on Foreign Relations, “Funding the United Nations: How Much Does the U.S. Pay?”
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