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Fmr Ambassador Joseph Manso on Why Soft Power is Important and his Global Power Rankings

Author: Last Podcast Network May 9, 2025 Duration: 57:21

Podcast episode

The Foreign Report

News Comedy Commentary Politics

The Foreign Report from Last Podcast Network dives into the wildest corners of global politics with sharp analysis and pitch-black humor. Each week, producer, comedian, and lawyer Seena Ghaznavi teams up with a rotating crew of journalists, experts, and policy nerds to unpack the stories shaping our world, from power struggles and propaganda wars to strange moments of competitive authoritarianism and beyond. Expect smart, irreverent commentary that cuts through official narratives, explains why today’s headlines actually matter, and still finds room to laugh at the absurdity of it all. Whether you obsess over international news or just want someone to translate the chaos into something you can argue about with friends, this podcast has you covered. Hit play, listen episodes that challenge your assumptions, and stay just informed enough to worry productively.

This week TFR welcomes former Ambassador Joseph Manso to the show to help us figure out what the hell is going on out there. We discuss his career in foreign service, his thoughts on the shifting global order, cuts to the State Department, the war in Ukraine, the potential for a new Iranian nuclear deal, and much more.

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