What do countries lose when they no longer have diplomats on the ground? Louise, Jeremy and Peter examine how the absence of embassies and diplomatic relations can distort judgment, weaken consular protection and leave governments relying on weaker intelligence, intermediaries and guesswork. Using the long American absence from Iran and Canada's own experience closing missions abroad, they ask what is really lost when states withdraw their diplomatic presence, and whether a country that wants to matter in the world can afford to keep hollowing out its foreign service.
Is Cuba Next? with Mark Entwistle
24.03.2026 | 44 Min.
What could Trump's latest threats toward Cuba mean for a country already in deep economic and humanitarian crisis? Peter and Jeremy welcome former Canadian ambassador to Cuba Mark Entwistle to unpack the pressure now bearing down on the island: the long aftermath of COVID, the collapse of tourism and tightening US sanctions. Is Washington pursuing regime change, a transactional economic opening or some mix of the two? And if Cuba becomes another testing ground for the Donroe Doctrine, should Canada defend international law, sovereignty and its own long relationship with the Cuban people?
New World Disorder from Tehran to Caracas with Ben Rowswell
04.03.2026 | 42 Min.
What will the American and Israeli strikes on Iran unleash? Peter and Jeremy welcome former diplomat and past Canadian International Council president Ben Rowswell to help unpack the cascading consequences of Donald Trump's latest military endeavour, and how it contrasts with his recent operation in Venezuela. Meanwhile, did Carney's initial support for the attack on Iran to destroy its nuclear weapons potentially contradict his messaging at Davos that middle powers should band together to resist superpower unilateralism?
The Quiet Power of UNICEF with Sevaun Palvetzian
28.02.2026 | 43 Min.
The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund is often in the background of global crises, but what does it deliver for children on the frontlines of war, displacement, and climate shocks? And where can't UNICEF go? Louise and Jeremy speak with Sevaun Palvetzian, CEO of UNICEF Canada, about the organization's work in 190+ countries, from emergency response in Ukraine and Gaza to long-term investments in health, education, water, and child protection.
In Munich, Did Rubio Reframe or Rephrase?
18.02.2026 | 34 Min.
Did Marco Rubio present a gentler view of transatlantic relations than JD Vance did a year ago, or the same vision, in more diplomatic language? Louise, Peter and Jeremy also unpack another busy couple of weeks for Mark Carney who is countering Davos critics with plans for an alliance to preserve rules-based open markets.
The Red Passport. The special passport used by Canadian diplomats accredited abroad or travelling from Ottawa on high-level business. Louise Blais, Jeremy Kinsman and Peter Donolo have all held the Red Passport at key moments in their careers – and in Canada's recent history. In every episode of the CIC's new podcast, they offer listeners their own "Red Passport", giving them an inside view how Canadian governments and policy makers try to steer our country through today's turbulent world – while advancing our interests, and keeping true to our values.
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