Hare Takes the Helm as Interim Director of the Center for Latin American Studies
Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies is pleased to announce the appointment of Ambassador Paul Hare as the Interim Director of the Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS). Ambassador Hare, a Senior Lecturer of International Relations, brings a wealth of diplomatic experience and expertise in intercultural communication, public diplomacy, and Cuban affairs to his new leadership role within the Center.
As a longstanding member of the Pardee faculty since 2009, Ambassador Hare has demonstrated a deep commitment to the school and a profound understanding of the Center’s mission. His appointment as Interim Director reflects not only his dedication to the Pardee School but also his desire to further the Center’s programmatic and educational endeavors in the upcoming academic year.
“I have seen the Center for Latin American Studies develop since its establishment at Pardee. I am delighted to play my part in its further evolution as a vibrant center of activities and research for all those at BU interested in Latin America. At the Center we are also very fortunate to have in Elizabeth Amrien a very committed and inspiring Assistant Director,” Ambassador Hare expressed, emphasizing his enthusiasm for the Center’s future.
In acknowledging this important transition, Dean Scott Taylor expressed his gratitude to outgoing CLAS Director Professor Rady Roldan-Figueroa, who admirably served as Director for the past two years. Professor Roldan-Figueroa, an Associate Professor in the School of Theology, successfully navigated the Center through the challenges posed by a post-covid environment and a transformative period for the Pardee School. His contributions to the Pardee community are highly valued.
The Center for Latin American Studies plays a vital role in fostering collaboration among faculty, staff, and students, enriching our understanding of the Latin American region from diverse perspectives. Ambassador Paul Hare’s dedication to strengthening the Center and his willingness to assume this significant leadership role are commendable and appreciated by the entire Pardee School community.
As we look forward to the academic year ahead, we anticipate that Ambassador Hare’s leadership will help CLAS thrive and continue to be an essential resource for both the Pardee School and Boston University. We extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to Ambassador Paul Hare as he embarks on this important journey at the helm of the Center for Latin American Studies.
Paul Hare is a distinguished British diplomat with 30 years of service, including a notable stint as the British ambassador to Cuba from 2001 to 2004. He’s a First-Class Honors graduate in Politics and Economics from The University of Oxford (1972) and has prior experience in law and investment banking.
His diplomatic career spans various postings, including roles in Brussels, Portugal, New York, and Venezuela. He’s also led the UK’s involvement in the Shanghai World Expo (2010). Ambassador Hare holds the distinction of being designated a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order by Queen Elizabeth II. His current teaching at Boston University includes topics such as Diplomatic Practice, Arms Control, and Public Diplomacy. He’s an accomplished author with works such as “Moncada – A Cuban Story” (2010) and “Making Diplomacy Work; Intelligent Innovation for the Modern World” (2015). His article “Corroding consensus-building: how self-centered public diplomacy is damaging diplomacy and what can be done about it” was published in August 2019.
Renowned for his writings on Cuba, Hare’s contributions have appeared in reputable publications like The Financial Times, The Atlantic, Newsweek, The Miami Herald, The Orlando Sentinel, and The Huffington Post. He’s also a sought-after expert on Cuba-related issues, frequently featured in prominent media outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Reuters, The Associated Press, Agence-France Press, The Inter-American Dialogue, and the BBC. Additionally, Hare co-edited the “Palgrave Handbook of Diplomatic Reform and Innovation” (February 2023), featuring insights from 40 authors representing around 30 countries.
Ambassador Hare resides in Marblehead, Massachusetts, with his wife, Lynda, and specializes in Latin American foreign policy, diplomacy, Latin American studies, and arms control.