Join the U.S. Department of State in an audio series that discusses global challenges in the world today – and how the State Department has evolved a new kind of diplomacy to address them: economic diplomacy. Each episode will offer an inside view of what our economic foreign policy looks like and how we are devoting our time and resources to promote economic policies that strengthen our relationships, increase trade and investment, reduce poverty and hunger, and bring peace and security to the world. Follow Inside Economic Diplomacy on Facebook and Twitter @EconEngage and @AmbRivkin.

Inside Economic Diplomacy: Welcome

Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs Charles Rivkin introduces the State Department’s new podcast Inside Economic Diplomacy.  Click here to read a transcript of this welcome episode.

Episode 6: 17th Annual Award for Corporate Excellence

U.S. companies are well-known abroad for their cutting edge technologies and innovative business practices, but an increasing number are gaining attention for the positive impact they’re having in the communities in which they operate.  Sixteen years ago, the State Department launched the Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence —or ACE —to honor U.S. companies that are representing American values by operating sustainably and responsibly around the world.  On this episode of Inside Economic Diplomacy, we sat down with the three award recipients to hear more about their work and what the ACE means to them.  Click here to learn more about all ten finalists for this year’s ACE. Click here to read a transcript of this podcast episode.

Episode 5: Open Skies

Next day shipping, regular flights to endless destinations worldwide, and overall reliability of air transport are now all accepted parts of modern life – but how did this come about? How did passenger and cargo transport become faster, cheaper, and more efficient? On this episode of Inside Economic Diplomacy, we talk with the State Department’s lead negotiator for civil aviation agreements about Open Skies – the agreement connecting the United States with over 100 partners from every region in the world and at every level of economic development. Click here to read a transcript of this podcast episode.

Episode 4: Internet Governance

The Internet is a critical engine for economic opportunity, innovation, and free expression around the world. But who exactly runs it? And why does it matter? On this episode of Inside Economic Diplomacy, experts on the topic shed light on the current approach to Internet governance and explain how it's central to keeping the Internet open for all. Click here to read a transcript of this podcast episode.

Episode 3: Trade Promotion Authority

The United States is in the middle of negotiating two potentially historic trade agreements in Asia and in Europe. To support these negotiations, President Obama has asked Congress for Trade Promotion Authority or TPA – even mentioning it during the State of the Union. But what exactly is TPA? Learn about the pending trade deals and hear Assistant Secretary Charles Rivkin explain how TPA advances U.S. trade priorities. Click here to read a transcript of this podcast episode.

Episode 2: The Award for Corporate Excellence

Each year, the State Department recognizes businesses that are among the United States' greatest corporate ambassadors abroad. The winners of the Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE) tell their stories. Read more here about The Coca-Cola Company in the Philippines, EcoPlanet Bamboo Group in Nicaragua, and Wagner Asia Equipment, LLC in Mongolia. Click here to read a transcript of this podcast episode.

Episode 1: The Paris Club

What happens when a country is facing financial hardship? How do we make sure that sovereign debt markets are working? For some countries, debt problems can mean calling upon a group of creditors to negotiate a resolution that works for both debtors and creditors. Learn about how the United States, as a member of the Paris Club, helps to resolve debt issues and the role that it played in the recent repayment deal with Argentina. Click here to read a transcript of this podcast episode.