Ambassador Michael H. Armacost to speak on US Asian policy in an era of change

By John Brian Pierce ’13

Michael H. Armacost
, Ph.D., former U.S. Ambassador and former president of the nation’s oldest think tank, the
Brookings Institute
, is set to deliver his expert opinion on U.S. policy toward Asia in a public lecture – “New Challenges in an Era of Change” – on Wednesday, March 6, 5 p.m. in the university’s Sandhu Conference Center.  The event, sponsored by Kay Family Foundation, begins with a reception at 4 p.m. and is part of the Richard Watson Distinguished Lecture Series presented by
Wilkinson College of Humanities and Social Sciences
, and the
minor in Asian studies
.

“We are very lucky to have Ambassador Armacost speak at Chapman during this pivotal moment in East Asian history. In a very timely talk, Ambassador Armacost will discuss the U.S. stakes in East Asia in terms of its relationship with Japan as well as Japan’s role within the region,” says Alex Bay, Ph.D., director of the minor in Asian studies.

Ambassador Armacost, a noted author and expert in contemporary issues in U.S. relations with Northeast Asia, will shed light on the Obama Administration’s foreign policy strategy in respect to Asia’s shifting geopolitical climate.

The ambassador, a recipient of the President’s Distinguished Service Award and the Secretary of State’s Distinguished Service Award, is currently the Shorenstein Distinguished Fellow at the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center.

From 1982 to 1984, he served as U.S. ambassador to the Philippines, and was a key force in helping the country undergo a nonviolent transition to democracy. In 1989, President George Bush tapped him to become ambassador to Japan, considered one of the most important and sensitive U.S. diplomatic posts abroad.

The event is free, but registration is requested. To register or find information about parking, please visit
www.chapman.edu/armacost
.