The Ambassadorial Series features in-depth interviews with nine former U.S. ambassadors to Russia and the Soviet Union.

The Ambassadorial Series Trailer | Ambassador John J. Sullivan

The Ambassadorial Series Trailer

In nine one-hour videos, the ambassadors recall their experiences in strikingly personal terms. They share private photos, insights from high-stakes negotiations, and reflections on the challenges and dangers they sometimes faced. The ambassadors discuss a range of geopolitical issues from their decades of experience, including the Soviet Union’s breakup, the 1991 attempted coup, President Yeltsin’s 1993 standoff, the early years of President Vladimir Putin, Russia’s response to 9/11, and the 2008 Russo-Georgian war. The ambassadors also discuss nuclear, cyber, and economic cooperation, the impact of sanctions, and how social media and other technology changed their ability to communicate with the Russian people.

The interviews are conducted by Jill Dougherty, former CNN Moscow bureau chief. They are presented in the form of videos, podcasts and transcripts

The Ambassadorial Series with Jill Dougherty

Ambassador John J. Sullivan

The Ambassadorial Series | Ambassador John J. Sullivan

Ambassador Jack F. Matlock

U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union | 1987–1991

See The Ambassadorial Series ebook PDF below. 

Ambassador Thomas R. Pickering

Ambassador to the Russian Federation | 1993–1996

See The Ambassadorial Series ebook PDF below. 

Ambassador James F. Collins

U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation | 1997–2001

See The Ambassadorial Series ebook PDF below. 

Ambassador Alexander Vershbow

U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation | 2001–2005

See The Ambassadorial Series ebook PDF below. 

Ambassador John Beyrle

U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation | 2001–2005

See The Ambassadorial Series ebook PDF below. 

Ambassador Michael McFaul

U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation | 2012–2014

See The Ambassadorial Series ebook PDF below. 

Ambassador John F. Tefft

U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation | 2014–2017

See The Ambassadorial Series ebook PDF below. 

Ambassador Jon Huntsman Jr.

U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation | 2017–2019

See The Ambassadorial Series ebook PDF below. 

You can subscribe to the Ambassadorial Series at Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify.

This series was made possible in part by a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York. The statements made and views expressed are solely the responsibility of the author. 

© 2023 President & Fellows of Middlebury College