EU Tariffs, Ukraine, and Diplomacy: A Conversation with Ambassador Gitenstein
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. Before his ambassadorial service, Ambassador Gitenstein practiced law for decades in Washington, D.C., specializing in regulatory and constitutional issues, and worked extensively in the U.S. Senate. He is a graduate of Duke University and Georgetown University Law Center. Ambassador Jim Rosapepe served as U.S. Ambassador to Romania from 1998 to 2001, where he advanced Romania’s integration into NATO and contributed to stability in the Balkans. He currently serves in the Maryland State Senate representing District 21 and is the Chair and CEO of Patuxent Capital Group, a strategic investment firm.
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Zbig: The Life and Legacy of Zbigniew Brzezinski
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 Brzezinski has held roles in the White House National Security Council and has worked extensively on foreign policy and international law. He earned degrees from Dartmouth College, the University of Virginia School of Law, and St Antony’s College, Oxford. Ambassador Jim Rosapepe served as U.S. Ambassador to Romania from 1998 to 2001, where he advanced Romania’s integration into NATO and contributed to stability in the Balkans. He currently serves in the Maryland State Senate representing District 21 and is the Chair and CEO of Patuxent Capital Group, a strategic investment firm.
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California on the World Stage: A Conversation with Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis
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.
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Reflections on U.S.-Brazil Relations and Diplomatic Service - Ambassador Elizabeth Bagley
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 BrasĂlia, 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 Ambassador Bagley, reflecting on her time in Brazil and expressing gratitude to the Brazilian people: Watch the video.
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The Woman Who Knew Everyone: The Power of Perle Mesta
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 worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine writer, tv and radio reporter. She has covered a wide array of topics including national politics, influential New Yorkers, police and courts, economics and business, fashion, food, celebrities, pioneering women and book reviews. She is based in New York City. 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 Patuxent Capital Group LLC and serves in the Maryland State Senate.
The American Ambassadors Live! Podcast (previously called CAA Live!) invites foreign policy experts and practitioners from the United States and around the world to share their perspectives on critical international issues.
Disclaimer:
Views expressed on this program are solely those of individual members and should not be construed as those of the Council of American Ambassadors, executive leadership, membership as a whole, or individuals or organizations that provide financial support to the Council of American Ambassadors.
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