From Ukraine to Sudan to the Middle East, the world is caught in a web of protracted conflicts—but who has the credibility to mediate peace, and what does true diplomatic leadership look like in times of crisis?

In this episode, GJIA sits down with Dr. Diana Villiers Negroponte, renowned historian, diplomat, and author, to explore the hard truths and hopeful possibilities of international mediation. Drawing on her deep experience—including her work alongside Ambassador John Negroponte and her scholarship on Cold War diplomacy—Dr. Negroponte unpacks how trust is forged in fractured societies and what it takes to resolve even the most intractable conflicts.

They discuss the viability of mediation in the Russia-Ukraine war, the escalating violence across the Middle East, and the power vacuum fueling Sudan’s humanitarian catastrophe. She also reflects on the enduring relevance of James A. Baker’s diplomatic style, evolving U.S.-Russia dynamics, and the essential qualities of modern diplomatic leadership.

As the world searches for stability, this conversation is both a reality check and a call to remain hopeful about diplomacy’s role in building a more peaceful future.

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As digital transformation reshapes the landscape of national defense, the U.S. Navy stands at the forefront of integrating emerging technologies to enhance operational readiness and strategic decision-making.

In this episode, GJIA sits down with Justin Fanelli, Chief Architect at the Department of the Navy, to explore how the Navy is navigating the complex balance between innovation and mission-critical reliability. They discuss the Department’s top priorities in leveraging AI, data systems, and quantum computing—while overcoming the bureaucratic and technical hurdles that often challenge public sector innovation.

Justin also shares insights from his work on the first one-stop data enterprise for Defense Healthcare, revolutionizing both clinical outcomes and research capabilities.

For anyone aspiring to lead innovation within government or military sectors, this conversation offers a rare inside look at how the Navy is shaping the future of digital transformation—and what technologies will define the next decade of national security.

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In this interview, Guillermo Ordorica, Mexico’s Ambassador to Qatar since 2022, discusses the growing economic and cultural ties between Mexico and Qatar. Ambassador Ordorica highlights significant milestones, including Mexico’s participation in the FIFA World Cup 2022 and introducing a halal certification program to facilitate meat exports. He also addresses plans for the 2026 Year of Culture, opportunities for collaboration in renewable energy, and Mexico’s role as a strategic trade gateway. This conversation offers insights into the evolving partnership and its implications for both nations in the years ahead.

Guillermo Ordorica joined the Mexican Foreign Service as a career member in 1993. After achieving the rank of minister in October 2015, he was appointed Ambassador by the President of Mexico on April 26, 2017. He currently serves as the Ambassador of Mexico to Qatar.

He holds a PhD in Political Science from the National School of Political Science and Public Administration (Romania), a Master’s Degree in National Security from the Mexican Navy’s Centro de Estudios Superiores Navales, a Master’s Degree in Sub-Saharan African Studies from El Colegio de México, and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.

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To read more about key trends in international affairs, head to gjia.georgetown.edu.

Keep up to date with more from the Georgetown Journal of International Affairs:
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