Is the World Today as Dangerous as 40 Years Ago? | Working Capital

Summary

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, recounts her experiences during the Rwandan genocide, where a personal connection with an armed young man saved her life. She discusses her diplomatic philosophy, 'gumbo diplomacy,' emphasizing the importance of building relationships through shared experiences. Thomas-Greenfield reflects on the evolving challenges of global diplomacy, the importance of US leadership, and the complexities of addressing crises in regions like Gaza and Sudan. She also shares her personal journey from a segregated upbringing to becoming a top diplomat, highlighting the potential for positive change through collective efforts.

Takeaways

• 🔫 During the Rwanda genocide, Linda Thomas-Greenfield had a life-threatening encounter with a young man armed with a gun, but they ended up having a friendly conversation.
• 🌍 Linda Thomas-Greenfield has served in various foreign service postings globally, including Pakistan, Kenya, and Jamaica, and as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs in the Obama administration.
• 🏆 The interview took place in the Ralph J. Bunche Library, named after the Nobel Peace Prize laureate known for his work mediating on Palestine.
• 🍲 Thomas-Greenfield practices 'gumbo diplomacy,' using cooking, particularly making gumbo, to foster comfortable and open conversations.
• 📺 The rapid spread of information via 24-hour news and social media has significantly changed the nature of diplomacy and reporting.
• 🕊️ Thomas-Greenfield believes the world is dealing with different but persistent security issues and highlights the ongoing crises in places like Sudan and Gaza.
• 🎓 She emphasizes the importance of education and opportunities, sharing personal stories of her parents' educational struggles and achievements.
• 👩‍👧‍👦 Concerned about the future, she worries about the impact of climate change on the next generation, including her grandchildren.
• 🇺🇸 Despite challenges, she remains confident in the strength of American democracy and its global leadership role.
• 🌍 She acknowledges the skepticism about US foreign policy, especially regarding Israel, but stresses the ongoing efforts to negotiate peace and support a two-state solution.

Q & A

Who was Linda Thomas-Greenfield and what notable position did she hold?

Linda Thomas-Greenfield is a veteran diplomat who served as the US Ambassador to the United Nations.

What experience did Thomas-Greenfield recount from her time in Rwanda during the genocide?

Thomas-Greenfield recounted an experience where a young man pointed a gun at her, and she told him her name to make it matter to him. They ended up having a friendly conversation.

What is 'gumbo diplomacy' as explained by Thomas-Greenfield?

Gumbo diplomacy is a method where Thomas-Greenfield uses cooking, specifically making gumbo, to make people comfortable and facilitate difficult conversations.

What significant changes in diplomacy did Thomas-Greenfield note since she started her career?

Thomas-Greenfield noted the rapid spread of information due to social media and 24-hour news as significant changes, contrasting with the slower communication methods of the past.

Why does Thomas-Greenfield believe Sudan struggles to gain international attention?

She believes Sudan struggles to gain attention due to crisis burnout among the international community and because it is located in Africa, which often requires raising the flag higher to get attention.

What was Thomas-Greenfield’s emotional response to her duties, such as vetoing a ceasefire resolution?

Thomas-Greenfield described herself as very emotional, finding her duties, including vetoing a ceasefire resolution, emotionally taxing.

What future vision did Thomas-Greenfield express for resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict?

Thomas-Greenfield expressed a vision of a two-state solution where Palestinians have their own country and Israelis live in security and peace.

What is Thomas-Greenfield’s perspective on the US's role and reputation in global diplomacy?

She believes that US leadership is always needed and respected at the table, even if there is sometimes disagreement with US policies.

How did Thomas-Greenfield’s upbringing influence her career and views on democracy?

Growing up in the segregated South and seeing her mother vote for the first time influenced her belief that the first chapter of life does not define the last chapter and reinforced her confidence in democracy.

What keeps Thomas-Greenfield up at night regarding future global challenges?

Thomas-Greenfield is concerned about the future impacts of climate change on the next generation and worries about what the world will be like in 10 years.