2017: America’s Security Alliances
The American Academy of Diplomacy and
The Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies at Monticello
presented
“America’s Security Alliances: What’s the Price, What are they Worth?”
Saturday, October 28, 2017
The Robert H. Smith Center at Montalto
Charlottesville, Virginia
Access the full program here: Monticello Program 2017.
The program started with a retrospective by Professor James Sofka on the American approach to alliances from George Washington’s time to the eve of WW II, titled “From “Entangling Alliances with None” to “Pax Americana”: Patterns of Alliances in Early American Diplomacy.” Access his full remarks here.
A panel discussion offering different viewpoints on America’s Security alliances was held between Ambassadors Beecroft, McCarthy and Mussomeli, moderated by Ambassador Neumann. The panel discussion explored optional perspectives in regards to alliances, risk observed by neglecting key security alliances, and the risks of alliances outliving their usefulness, possible adjustments, and effective commitments.
This was a free, one-day conference (from 9:30 am to 3:15 pm) open to the general public. It is part of a series of annual discussions exploring the role of diplomacy in US foreign relations, and encouraging discussions of foreign affairs across the country. It was organized by the American Academy of Diplomacy and The Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies at Monticello. For more information email: academy@academyofdiplomacy.org
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- Speakers and guests pose for a group photo in front a portrait of Thomas Jefferson by Charles Willson Peale
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- Another pose with a group of students from the Miller School of Albermarle
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- Montalto, a 1908 American Country house , is home of Monticello’s education center
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- Conference guests arrive at Montalto in visitor shuttles
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- Ambassador Neumann, President of the Academy, greets Charlottesville friends
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- Mary Scott Fleming, Director of Enrichment Programs at Monticello, makes sure everything is ready for the conference start
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- Over 100 guests register for the conference each year
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- The conference is a full day event, starting with breakfast
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- Ambassador Joseph Mussomeli is greeted by Academy Director, Isabel de Prado
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- Speakers and guests mingle over coffee before the conference starts
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- Montalto is an ideal setting for cordial conversations between speakers and guests
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- Dr. Andrew O’Shaughnessy, Vice President and Saunders Director of the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies, welcomes the guests
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- Professor James Sofka specializes in international relations and political leadership in the era of the American Founding.
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- The conference takes place in the “Conservatory”
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- Ambassador Ronald Neumann moderated the panel discussion and Q&A session with the audience.
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- Ambassador Robert Beecroft discussed the risks we take by neglecting key security alliances.
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- Ambassador Deborah McCarthy commented on the risks of alliances outliving their usefulness and the possible adjustments to be made.
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- Ambassador Joseph Mussomeli examined if the time has come to reconsider America’s security alliances
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- The panelists conversed with a very engaged audience
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- The panel discussion included a rich Q&A session with the audience, fostered by the cordial atmosphere at Montalto.
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- Montalto, rising 410 feet above Monticello, offers unparalleled views in every direction
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- Speakers and guests get together for lunch in the Parlor, one of the many rooms at Montalto
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- Some prefer conversing over lunch in the terrace
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- Guests have lunch in one of the upper floor rooms at Montalto
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- Ambassador Neumann and Professor Sofka, thinking about next year’s conference subject
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- The conference guests enjoyed the view from Monticello’s Montalto during the lunch break
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- This conference is the 8th edition of a series co hosted by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation and the American Academy of Diplomacy
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- Ambassador Richard Boucher gave the keynote address on the theme of global leadership.
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- Speakers and their spouses were also attentive listeners!
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- A younger member of the audience, during the Q&A session
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- Mary-Scott Fleming, Director of Enrichment Programs at Monticello, and Isabel de Prado, Managing Director of the American Academy of Diplomacy, coordinated all the event logistics
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- Enjoying the company and views over lunch!
