“We are honored to welcome an expert with the depth of experience in foreign relations as Ambassador Chamberlin,” said WSU Vice Provost of International Programs Lance LeLoup. “Her visit is especially timely in light of the recent tragic events in Pakistan. As WSU seeks to provide students with opportunities to develop global competency, an understanding of the political dynamics in this region of the world is crucial.”
A 29-year veteran of the US Foreign Service, Chamberlin was U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan from 2001 to 2002. During her tenure in Islamabad, she played a key role in Pakistan’s cooperation for the U.S.-led campaign against al Qaeda terrorists in Afghanistan following the 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States.
Chamberlin’s visit is part of the ongoing Global Studies Speaker Series, jointly supported by International Programs and a grant from the Jackson Foundation.
“The series is designed to connect students and the WSU community with people who are leaders in international affairs and business,” said Andrew Appleton, director of global studies. “Ambassador Chamberlin’s visit is an example of what we are trying to achieve. We hope that her talk will foster deeper awareness of the critical and sensitive issues surrounding U.S. foreign policy.”
Chamberlin’s distinguished career in international affairs includes the direction of civilian reconstruction programs in Iraq and Afghanistan and development assistance programs in the Middle East and East Asia. Other assignments included U.S. Ambassador to the Laos People’s Democratic Republic (1996-1999), Director of Press and Public Affairs for the Near East Bureau (1991-1993), Deputy Chief of Mission in the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur (1993-1996), Arab-Israeli Affairs (1982-1984) and postings in Morocco, Malaysia, Laos and Zaire.
For more information on Ambassador Chamberlin’s visit, see ONLINE @ www.ip.wsu.edu.
