Judd and Nicole are joined by Ambassador Jorge Tolentino, former Foreign Minister of Cabo Verde, to discuss U.S. relations with the West African island-country. Ambassador Tolentino explains how the Biden administration can work with Cabo Verde to modernize its defense and national security model, which has remained unchanged since Cabo Verde’s independence in 1975. Plus, we hear about some of the rich connections between Cabo Verde and its vast diaspora in the United States and Europe. Background Readings:<a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2jTvEM76ioutKODSdPllkr">The Cape Verdean Blues (album), Horace Silver</a> – Spotify<a href="https://open.spotify.com/search/paul%20gonsalves)">Paul Gonsalves (artist page</a>) – Spotif<a href="https://open.spotify.com/search/tavares%20brothers">y</a><a href="https://open.spotify.com/search/tavares%20brothers">The Tavares Brothers (artist pag</a>e) - Spotify

Benin with Mathias Hounkpe

What is the past, present, and future of U.S. policy towards sub-Saharan Africa? Judd Devermont, Director of the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and Nicole Wilett, Chief of Staff at the Open Society Foundations, sit down with diplomats, journalists, civil society activists, and academics to discuss policy recommendations for the Biden Administration. In 15 minutes or less, these episodes deliver the goods on U.S. relations with African countries, as well as share the best of African music, food, dance, film, and travel.