Diplomacy in an Election Year: What’s at Stake?
TRAVERSE CITY — Career Ambassador Thomas J. Pickering will address the question of "Diplomacy in an Election Year: What’s at Stake?" at an International Affairs Forum lecture set for 6 p.m. Nov. 19 in Milliken Auditorium.
Acute challenges face the United States as it approaches the 2016 election year, including Putin’s Russia, religious extremism, the vast movement of people as a result of political instability worldwide and environmental devastation. Pickering ‘s service in seven demanding ambassadorial posts over four decades enables him to uniquely assess the impact of the upcoming presidential campaign on U.S. foreign policy.
Once described as the “five star general of the diplomatic corps," Pickering has served in Jordan, Nigeria, El Salvador, Israel, the United Nations, India and Russia and was renowned for his strategic approach to global issues. His years of senior experience and insight brought him to the pinnacle of foreign policy decision-making as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, the number-three position in the State Department. Pickering now holds the rank of Career Ambassador, the highest in the U.S. Foreign Service.
The IAF is affiliated with NMC and the World Affairs Council of America. All lectures are held in the Dennos Museum Center's Milliken Auditorium on the NMC campus at 6 p.m., with a reception prior to the lecture from 5:15 to 6 p.m. Admission is free to all students and educators, and $10 for others. Subscriber tickets for the entire season are available; visit www.tciaf.com or call (231) 995-1700 for more information.
IAF lectures are rebroadcast on UpNorth TV public access cable television three times a week, and available online for streaming on demand. Board members also produce “Beyond the Headlines,” a roundtable-style interview program that focuses on current foreign affairs issues and airs on UpNorth TV.
RELEASE DATE: november 12, 2015
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Karen Segal
International Affairs Forum co-chair
(231) 715-6064
jsegal_kpuschel@yahoo.com