Welcome to the final installment for part 1 of the "Conflicted" series! This week we are zooming in on one of the longest-standing conflicts in the modern world: India and Pakistan. This conflict ties together several concepts we have been discussing this season (and before); colonial aftermath, sectariansism, economic leverage, and nuclear balance of power. We close out with a general discussion and review of whether the conflict was preventable and what the future between the antagonists will likely include. I hope you find the episode informative and interesting!

In this episode, Alexis and Fallon go in on the Liberian Civil War. For those who don't know, Liberia has a long history with the United States and is one of the most direct examples of how damaging ethno-nationalism can be. Besides which, there are many aspects of international conflict that came to the public consciouness because of the Liberian Civil War that you may not know were connected to that event. We discuss child soldiers, "blood diamonds", arms trafficking, CIA involvement in the conflict and much more!

Welcome back for the next episode in the Conflicted series! This time we discuss the breakdown in Venezuela and how it fits into the larger global migrant crisis. Venezuela is also a clear example of how economic trouble can cause a political system to collapse. Hopefully you find the episode educational and entertaining!

Here is the video we watch in the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMPX1547Pss

Welcome to a new series from the Off Duty Diplomat Podcast! The 'Conflicted' series will cover conflicts that have been in the news, but that most people don't know the details or relevancy to themsleves as global citizens. We will start with the series of uprisings and revolutions across the Middle East and North Africa that began in 2011, commonly referred to as "the Arab Spring". Alexis and Fallon, give you the colloquial context, and primary takeways to modern foreign policy.

Alexis and Fallon dive into the "spicy" world of Sanctions! Several of the topics we discuss in the UN and global political economy epsiode make an appearance. Ever wonder what sanctions even are? Do they work? Why are they such a big deal?

Alexis and Fallon tackle THE international organization itself! What does the UN do? What are they good at? What are they NOT good at? Why do we even need an international forum for countries to work out their drama? What was it like to work there? Find out all of this and more!

This episode engineered and mastered by Sam Regan

Alexis and Fallon dive into a discussion of the concept of international intervention. This one is a pretty interactive episode, so there are plenty of opportunities for you to think through when it should and shouldn't happen. We also try to re-imagine the concept more successfully than it was originally. This is a great one!

Alexis and Fallon talk about the money! How does the global financial system work? What are its roots? How can it be twisted and manipulated by politicians? Tune in and find out!

Alexis and Fallon discuss Alexis' vacations from Afghanistan, while stationed there from 2018-2020. This episode in the appendix series is meant to give even broader context to Alexis' overall experience as a diplomat. Where would you go if you had three weeks to go anywhere and do anything?

Alexis and Fallon discuss what it's like to "travel like a diplomat". What can you do with a diplomatic passport? Are there downsides to the privileges that go with diplomatic status?

Alexis describes her diplomatic security training. She and Fallon go through the long list of safety information Foreign Service officers need to know in the modern era. We discuss kidnapping, first aid, explosives training, and more!

Welcome to the Appendicies! In this series, Fallon and I will go back and dive into some of the details of diplomatic life and work that we missed in the main seasons. In this epsiode, we revisit the basics of the U.S. Foreign Service history and it's evolution through time.

Alexis and Fallon reflect on season 3 and dive into some of the details we missed during the main season. We also tease a few of the coming bonus episodes!

In the final episode of season three, Alexis and Fallon go deep into what the experience of working at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul meant and the legacy of the work.

In this episode, we explore the two great calamities that occured during and after my tour at the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan- COVID and the Taliban returning. We also say goodbye to Reda and Muzhgan.

Living in a war zone- how do you know when you're safe? In this epsiode we discuss the micro and the macro of secruity living at the former U.S. Embassy in Kabul Afghanistan.

Ever wondered what US diplomats did in Afghnnistan before the pull-out? Alexis walks you through her job as assistant cultural affairs officer, which mostly centered on managing grants (aka giving away money).