Conversations with History: Institute of International Studies, UC Berkeley

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This interview is part of the Institute's "Conversations with History" series, and uses Internet technology to share with the public Berkeley's distinction as a global forum for ideas.

Welcome to a Conversation with History. I'm Harry Kreisler of the Institute of International Studies. Our distinguished guest today is David D. Newsom. Mr. Newsom's distinguished career included service as U.S. Ambassador to Libya, to Indonesia, and to the Philippines. He also served as Undersecretary of State. Most recently, he was the Cumming Professor of International Studies at the University of Virginia. He's the author of numerous books, including The Imperial Mantle and The Public Dimension of Foreign Policy.

1. Background ... influence of father ... early reading ... .influential teachers ... education ... trip around the world ... choice of diplomacy as a career
2. The Work of Diplomacy ... key elements ... .best preparation ... outstanding diplomats ... dealing with Washington ... taking the initiative ... complex environment ... accellerated process ... the public face of diplomacy ... values versus pragmatism: unpopular rulers
3. U.S. Foreign Policy and the Third World ... failure to understand decolonization ... failure to understand foreign domestic politics ... U.S. air base in Libya during the '67 war ... relations with Israel ... Saudi Arabia ... Pakistan ... Afghanistan ... myths about U.S. involvement ... the war against terrorism ... influence of foreign lobbyists ... no clash of civilizations but economic inequality ... the legacy of history
4. Conclusion ... advice for students

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