WSHU Public Radio Hosts Diplomat for Geopolitical Conversation

His memoir provides firsthand, behind-the-scenes accounts of U.S.-Russia relations

Sacred Heart University, in collaboration with WSHU Public Radio, recently hosted a geopolitical event and interview with the former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, John Sullivan.

Sullivan, an experienced diplomat, held senior positions under five presidential administrations in the departments of Justice, Defense and Commerce. In former President George W. Bush’s first term, Sullivan was appointed deputy general counsel of the Defense Department by then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. Most recently, Sullivan served as the U.S. ambassador to Russia from December 2019 to October 2022, under both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. During his tenure, he led the U.S. Embassy through this historically tumultuous period in U.S.-Russia relations.

It was during those years that Sullivan was inspired to write about his duties as ambassador. His most recent publication, Midnight in Moscow, was the center of the WSHU Public Radio event. The book is a detailed memoir of his time in Russia. Sullivan was on the diplomatic front lines when Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine in 2022. His book provides firsthand, behind-the-scenes accounts of how U.S.-Russia tension reached an apex and details the unfolding confrontation.

SHU professor and political scholar Gary Rose kickstarted the WSHU Public Radio program with a speech and introduced Sullivan as “a most distinguished and patriotic public servant.” Rose spoke to the book’s quality, saying, “The ambassador’s book, quite frankly, is one that I could not put down.” He added, “The many challenges that Ambassador Sullivan faced while occupying his post in Moscow are treated in a most captivating way and in a manner that you are unlikely to read in any other book involving the same subject.”

Sullivan then spoke about his service in Russia. A hockey fan, he met many of his heroes and favorite players during his years there. At the same time, he faced many day-to-day and large-scale challenges as ambassador. Although he worked around the clock with Russian officials to mend the U.S.-Russia relationship, he noted that, “Putin is Russia, and he wanted no such thing.”

Following his speech, Sullivan was interviewed briefly by Terry Sheridan, news director at WSHU Public Radio. Sheridan asked Sullivan about the last chapters in his book, in which he wrote about the blueprint for the future of U.S.-Russia relations. Sullivan said that regardless of personal beliefs, “You should be compelled to stop Russia at all costs,” adding, “They are a threat to justice and security on a global level.”

For the many students in attendance, hearing a political professional with Sullivan’s knowledge was a once-in-a-lifetime experience they will not soon forget. Ryan Greene, a sophomore studying criminal justice with minors in psychology and cybersecurity, said, “Hearing about former Ambassador Sullivan’s experiences meeting with top minds on foreign affairs was incredible; his insight on foreign policy really made an impact on me.”

Before the night wrapped up, Sullivan was gifted a Sacred Heart University hockey sweater by Paul Sutera, senior vice president of University advancement, and was invited back to drop a puck at a future game at the Martire Family Arena. Sullivan, a Connecticut resident, said, “It would be an honor to come back anytime.”

To learn more, read or listen to Sullivan’s interview with Sheridan at the WSHU Public Radio website.