DACOR - Event Information - DACOR

Event Name:
Roots of the American Impulse to Promote Values in Diplomacy through Soft Power

Event Type(s):
Salon

Description:
The United States has the most ambitious, varied, and extensive soft diplomacy programs of any country. From 1780 to 1880, the U.S. went from a largely agrarian, rather third-tier global player to a major force in international commerce and politics. From 1880 to 1980 it became the global power that eclipsed all of its competitors. Since 1980, however, it has seen its predominance as the sole superpower beset by challenges to its political and economic leadership. So what is the impulse throughout these shifts that has oriented the U.S. to continue as the world’s soft power leader? In the discussion on “Roots of the American Impulse to Promote Values in Diplomacy through Soft Power,” Rick A. Ruth, former Senior Advisor and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary fro Education and Cultural Affairs, will explore the following questions with SALON participants:
  1. Does the notion of American exceptionalism support US efforts in international engagement historically?
  2. What principles and values underscore America’s drive to continue its international engagement?
  3. How has soft power evolved in America’s foreign policy lexicon since independence?
Rick Ruth retired in October after 40+ years of public service. He most recently served as Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs.  In this capacity, he advised on all aspects of international exchange policy, programs, and management. Prior to joining the Foreign Service, Rick taught Russian language and literature at the University of Arizona.  He joined the Government as a Russian-speaking staff member on a traveling exhibition in the Soviet Union, and subsequently served abroad in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the Soviet Union.
 
Rick organized the office of the Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs and served as its first Chief of Staff.  In the aftermath of 9/11, he was the public diplomacy representative on the steering committee responsible for coordinating the Department’s response to the attack.
 
Rick established the Department’s first global alumni network, spearheaded cultural heritage as a key component of foreign policy, pioneered the quantitative measurement of exchange programs, originated the first high school exchange for the Arab and Muslim world, and implemented historic reforms in the regulation and oversight of private sector exchanges. Rick has received numerous awards, including the Presidential Rank Award, Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Public Diplomacy, and Alumnus of the Year Award from the University of Arizona. He was most recently honored by the International Institute for Education with its Centennial Award for “dedication to international education and cultural exchange.”

Event Date:
2/6/2020

Event Time:
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Eastern

Location:
DACOR Bacon House
1801 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
UNITED STATES

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Contact Person:
DACOR Programs
(phone: 202-682-0500 x20)

Details:
  • Fee: $40/person; Late registration: $45/person
  • Dress Code: Business

Event Registration:

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2/6/2020



Rick A. Ruth
Former Senior Advisor & Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs