6 Comments
User's avatar
Jose Melendez (Dan Kobayashi)'s avatar

I’ve always thought that refusing to meet people as a “punishment” was silly. I’ve never seen any evidence that it gets anything more than momentary improvements in behavior, and it costs opportunities to speak hard truths. This is especially true if there isn’t a global effort to isolate a particular regime.

Expand full comment
Wes Chaney's avatar

I’ve worked Africa policy for almost two-decades- this is the best lay out of the issues I’ve read. Thanks!!

Expand full comment
Judd Devermont's avatar

Thank you!

Expand full comment
Erol Yayboke's avatar

Not caring about what the critics think (or doing it anyways) is so hard... but I couldn't agree more, Judd. Let's meet early and often. There's also a strength in numbers argument - the more meetings you do the less "important" each individual one feels.

Expand full comment
Jesse's avatar

I appreciate and agree with the frank and candid thoughts... particularly the comparison between engagements with leaders from other regions and those of Africa!

Expand full comment
Judd Devermont's avatar

Thanks!

Expand full comment