Conversations with History: Institute of International Studies, UC Berkeley

See the Conversations with History Blog See a webcast of this interview: Schori

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 guest today is Jean Pierre Olof Schori, who is Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations.

1. Background ... cosmopolitan childhood in family hotel ... ferry-trip to reach the Continent ... university
2. Becoming a Politician ... falling into politics ... anti-nuclear work ... Olof Palme ... Sweden's unique international stance
3. Sweden and Europe ... traditional nonaligned status ... convincing the public to join the EC ... European Parliament vs. Swedish Parliament ... lower profile but greater weight
4. The Post - 9/11 World ... watching the attack ... UN's unanimous support ... UN's pre-9/11 agenda still valid...
5. Sweden's Leadership Role ... early commitment to foreign aid ... fight against Apartheid and for liberation movements ... national support for UN ... contribution to peacekeeping ...
6. UN Operations ... monitoring elections: the case of Zimbabwe ... UN stymied until crisis hits ... trying to prevent genocide ... multilateralism and nation-building ... quick-fix doesn't work
7. Iraq and the New U.S. Foreign Policy ... the search for weapons of mass destruction ... war despite UN opposition ... disillusionment of Europeans ... bringing U.S. back to multilateralism
8. The Future of the United Nations ... cleaning up after the elephants ... new emphasis on security ... reforming the UN ... increasing the size of the Security Council
9. Advice for Students ... be informed

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