Diplomatically Speaking

Ambassador Ashok Mirpuri, who recently concluded an exceptional 12-year term as Singapore's ambassador to the United States, retired from diplomatic service this summer. In this episode, he reflects on the evolving role of diplomats in the 21st century. Despite the challenges of modern technology, diplomats like Mirpuri are tasked with the complex role of interpreting and conveying the realities and dynamics of their host country to their own leaders. In his case, this involved navigating the presidencies of Obama, Trump, and Biden to make sense of America's implications for Singapore. Tune in to gain insights into the diplomatic world and consider whether diplomats still have a vital role in today's society.