US ambassador to give Fulbright Lecture

A veteran of global politics for more than 40 years, Pickering will give a speech called The US Role in the Future of the Middle East (Pillars of Hercules to the Hindu Kush) on Monday 14 May.

Distinguished career

Pickering served in the US Navy and as an US ambassador in six countries, including Russia, India, Israel, and Jordan. He also served as his country’s ambassador to the United Nations.

As a matter of principle, Pickering learned the languages of the countries in which he served. He is fluent in French, Spanish, and Swahili and has a working knowledge of Russian, Hebrew, and Arabic.

Earlier this year he co-authored an article, widely circulated, which was designed to persuade American citizens that the role of diplomacy was the first resort of kings - and war only the last.

The Fulbright Commission and Edinburgh

The lecture forms part of The Fulbright Commission’s links with the University.

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is home to The Fulbright-Scotland Visiting Professorship, which enables US academics to teach, give public lectures, and conduct research at the University.

Starting last year, the University is to host three academics, for six months each, over a three year period.

The Fulbright Commission was established in 1948 to foster mutual cultural understanding through educational exchange between the UK and the US.

The US Role in the Future of the Middle East (Pillars of Hercules to the Hindu Kush)

Monday 14 May 2012, 5.30pm - 6.30pm Informatics Forum, 10 Crichton Street, EH8 9AD

This event may be photographed and/or recorded for promotional or recruitment materials for the University and University approved third parties.