2017 – Diplomatic Challenges for the New Administration
Second Annual Ambassadors Forum
Changing Constants: Diplomatic challenges for the New Administration
Texas Tech University
March 27, 2017 – 5:30 p.m.
International Cultural Center Auditorium,
601 Indiana Avenue – Lubbock, Texas

The Office of International Affairs at Texas Tech University along with the Center for Global Understanding and the CH Foundation welcomed four distinguished former United States ambassadors for TTU’s Second Annual Ambassadors’ Forum on March 27, 2017, regarding the new US Presidential Administration’s diplomatic challenges. The former ambassadors were Ronald Neumann, Kathleen Stephens, Kurt Volker, and John Beyrle and belong to the American Academy of Diplomacy. The dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Ambassador Beyrle, provided intriguing foreign policy insight gained from more than 100 years of combined Foreign Service experience from the four ambassadors.
“The American Academy of Diplomacy includes some of our nation’s most senior and knowledgeable diplomats and other foreign affairs specialists, and we are pleased to have this distinguished group coming to share their insight into the world’s current foreign policy challenges” said Ambassador Tibor Nagy, vice provost for International Affairs. “Texas Tech is delighted to partner with the Center for Global Understanding and the CH Foundation in sponsoring this annual event.”
The panel discussion with the ambassadors took place at the International Cultural Center auditorium, located at 601 Indiana Ave., and was free and open to the public.
For more information about the event, call (806) 742-3667 or visit the Office of International Affairs website.
Watch the full event here
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Ambassador John Beyrle has served as Ambassador to the Russian Federation and Ambassador to Bulgaria. He has held various policy positions and foreign assignments with an emphasis on U.S. relations with Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the USSR since joining the State Department in 1983. He was awarded the Presidential Meritorious Service Award and is also a four-time recipient of the Superior Honor Award.
- Ambassador Neumann addressed questions from the local press during the session with the media
- The forum took place in the International Cultural Center auditorium
- Ambassador Neumann addressed the issue of Islamic violent radicalism and the Islamic State
- Ambassador Beyrle commented on the principles and values that have guided US foreign policy
- Ambassador Stephens commented on whether the US should maintain its role of stabilizing Asia
- Amb. Volker shared his perspective on the US interests in the security of Western Europe
- Ambassadors John Beyrle, Ronald Neumann, Kathleen Stephens, and Kurt Volker (L to R).
- The forum included a College panel discussion with students from TTU and other local colleges.
- High School students representing Slaton, Shallowater and Lubbock, took part in the debate
- About 120 local High School students attended the forum
- The forum held a public panel discussion
- The panel discussion included an active Q&A session with the public
- The forum fostered a back and forth discussion between panelists and the public