Diplomacy Along America’s Third Border: A Conversation with Luis Moreno

"Send a text sharing your thoughts about the episode."Retired U.S. Ambassador Luis Moreno shares a candid, wide-ranging conversation shaped by more than three decades of service in some of the world’s most demanding environments. From serving in Bogotá and helping implement Plan Colombia, to leading during political violence in Haiti, coordinating civil-military alignment in Iraq, and serving as U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica, Moreno reflects on lessons learned.The conversation explores the Caribbean as “America’s third border,” the strategic importance of Haiti, the evolving balance between soft power and hard power, and the risks of diplomatic retreat in a competitive global landscape. Moreno also speaks personally about accountability in foreign assistance, bridging civilian and military cultures, the importance of alliances, and the need for the Foreign Service to better explain its value to everyday Americans.