Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides To Speak at Duke Oct. 3

The free public event will focus on Nides’ most recent post in Israel, the current political situation, and U.S. foreign policy in the region

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides will speak at Duke University on Tuesday, Oct. 3.

The free public event takes place at 5:30 p.m. in the Karsh Alumni & Visitors Center, at the corner of Duke University Road and Chapel Drive on Duke’s West Campus. Parking is available in the Karsh lot. A public reception will precede the event at 4:45 p.m.

The conversation, hosted by David Schanzer, professor of the practice at Duke’s Sanford School of Public Policy, will focus on Nides’ most recent post in Israel, the current political situation, and U.S. foreign policy in the region. Duke’s Program in American Grand Strategy and the Rudnick Lecture at the Duke Center for Jewish Studies will host the event.

Nides will also meet with a select group of students and faculty during his visit to Duke.

Nides was confirmed as ambassador in 2021 and stepped down this past July. Previously he was managing director and vice chairman of Morgan Stanley, where he also worked as chief administrative officer, chief operating officer and secretary of the board.

Former US Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides
Thomas Nides

His government work also includes U.S. State Department’s deputy secretary of state for management and resources from 2010–2013.

Nides was also senior vice president of Fannie Mae in Washington from 1998–2001, chief of staff to former U.S. trade representative Micky Kantor, senior adviser to Speaker of the House Thomas S. Foley and senior adviser to House Majority Whip Tony Coelho.

He currently serves on the boards of the Partnership for Public Service, the International Rescue Committee, the Atlantic Council and the Urban Alliance Foundation. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the former chairman of board of the Woodrow Wilson Center, appointed by President Obama.

Nides received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. He is the recipient of the Secretary of State’s Distinguished Service Award.

Schanzer is also director of the Triangle Center on Terrorism and Homeland Security. He teaches courses, conducts research and engages in public dialogue on counterterrorism strategy, counterterrorism law and homeland security. 

The Rudnick lecture at the Duke Center for Jewish Studies is made possible by the generosity of The Rudnick Endowment; this annual lecture is dedicated to the subject of Israel and world affairs, and has brought many distinguished guests to Duke, including Elie Wiesel, Shimon Peres, Robert Satloff, Ambassador Thomas Pickering, Yossi Klein Halevi, Ambassador Dennis Ross, and many others.

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