Casting features a mix of ethnicities including leads Gabriel Basso and Luciane Buchanan alongside supporting actors like Arienne Mandi (Iranian aide Noor Taheri), Berto Colon, Keon Alexander, and Amanda Warren, which aligns organically with the global settings (Thailand, UN missions) rather than forced DEI quotas or race/gender swaps disrupting the narrative. No LGBTQ+ representation, identity exploration, systemic oppression critiques, or social justice subplots drive the story; character arcs focus on loyalty, betrayal, and survival.

Creator Shawn Ryan emphasizes political thrillers in a neutral thriller vein, with no activist intent evident. Star Gabriel Basso publicly rejects actors pushing politics, signaling resistance to Hollywood wokeness. Audience reception criticizes convoluted plots and underdeveloped characters but shows zero backlash over 'woke' elements, DEI casting, or preachiness, confirming the show's success as apolitical escapism.