Storella and Weinstein Host the U.S. Department of State, International Visitor Leadership Program
This past Wednesday, September 13th, Ambassador Mark Storella, Professor of the Practice of Diplomacy at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies and Director of the School’s African Studies Center, and Lt Gen Jack Weinstein, USAF (Ret), Professor of the Practice of International Security at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies hosted the U.S. Department of State, International Visitor Leadership Program. The group consisted of nineteen members from Argentina, Djibouti, Estonia, Finland, France, Japan, Lebanon, Kyrgyzstan, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, and Tuvalu. They addressed Global Foreign Policy Challenges.
Participants engaged in a lively and informative discussion focused around understanding the nuances of U.S. foreign policy. Firstly, attendees examined how foreign policy is formulated, articulated, and put into action within the U.S. federal system. Secondly, they had the chance to review U.S. foreign policy priorities and gain insights into the changing landscape of international relations. The discussion also delved into the influence of domestic political and economic factors on U.S. foreign policy decisions. Additionally, the impact of social media on foreign policy took center stage, with participants exploring how modern technology is reshaping global diplomacy.
Lt. Gen Jack Weinstein, USAF (Ret) was as a central figure in addressing the queries of the inquisitive audience. His comprehensive responses touched upon a range of topics, including U.S. nuclear policy concerning Russia and China. Lt. Weinstein also shed light on the complex dynamics surrounding Ukraine, South Korea, and North Korea.
Meanwhile, Amb. Storella, found himself fielding numerous questions on the critical issue of refugees. The group exhibited a keen interest in understanding the status of support for refugees and the implications of domestic political developments around the world, including the rise of populism, on acceptance of and support for refugees.
The event’s success was evident not just in its duration but in the enthusiasm, engagement, and depth of discussion that transpired.
Jack Weinstein, Lieutenant General, USAF (Ret), served in the U.S. Air Force from 1982 to 2018. Prior to arriving at the Pardee School of Global Studies, he was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration, Headquarters United States Air Force, the Pentagon. In this position, he was responsible to the Secretary and Chief of Staff on all aspects of nuclear deterrence operations providing direction, guidance, integration, and advocacy regarding the nuclear deterrence mission of the U.S. Air Force and engaged with joint, interagency, and NATO to develop nuclear enterprise solutions. Read more about Weinstein on his faculty profile.
Ambassador Mark C. Storella was a United States Foreign Service Officer for over three decades serving as Ambassador to Zambia, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration, and Dean of the Leadership and Management School of the Foreign Service Institute. Storella is a recipient of the Presidential Rank Award, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Excellence in Service Award, the Thomas Jefferson Award presented by American Citizens Abroad, and several Department of State superior and meritorious honor awards. Learn more about Ambassador Storella on his faculty profile.