Beyond Benghazi: U.S. Public Diplomacy in Troubled Times with Thomas Pickering
Former Ambassador to the United Nations, Amb. Thomas Pickering discusses the public diplomacy challenges in a time of protest and upheaval, digital media, and emerging competitors to America’s pre-eminence on the world stage, particularly in light of the incident in Benghazi, Libya.
With a diplomatic career spanning more than four decades, Amb. Pickering was also the co-chair of the panel which investigated the 2012 attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi. He is a career ambassador who has served in Russia, India, Israel, El Salvador, and beyond. In 2000, he retired from the State Department as the Under Secretary for Political Affairs.
Tara Sonenshine, former Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy, introduced Amb. Pickering.
There was a lively exchange with the audience and also Amb. Pickering received well wishes as he was celebrating his birthday that day. Read the IPDGC Smart Power post for the tweet excitement from that event.
Moderating the session was Frank Sesno, Director of the GW School of Media and Public Affairs.
Click on video still below for the third WR Annual Lecture.