In part three of the 2007-2008 Chicago and the World Forum series, distinguished policy practitioner Ambassador Thomas R. Pickering discusses ways to ensure U.S. leadership in the global era, addressing the particular challenges that will confront the next U.S. administration.  Drawing on his long and distinguished career shaping U.S. foreign policy, Ambassador Pickering examines the principles that should guide American foreign policy, the country’s key objectives in its relations with the rest of the world, and the means and strategies the United States can employ to achieve those objectives. How can the United States maintain its global leadership, what policy challenges will confront it, and what roles do diplomacy, economic strength, and military might play in advancing the national interest?

Ambassador Thomas R.Pickering served as U.S. ambassador to the Russian Federation, India, Israel, El Salvador, Nigeria, and Jordan, and from 1989 to 1992, he served as U.S. ambassador and representative to the United Nations. From 1997 to 2001, he served as U.S. under secretary of state for political affairs. He also served as executive secretary of the Department of State and as special assistant to secretaries William P. Rogers and Henry A. Kissinger. Ambassador Pickering recently retired as senior vice president of International Relations at The Boeing Company and now serves as vice chairman of Hills and Company. He received a B.A. in history from Bowdoin College and an M.A. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.

Gone are the days when candidates for America’s highest office could shy away from discussing America’s role in the world.  Issues such as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Iran’s nuclear program, immigration reform, and trade imbalances may determine how most Americans will vote in 2008.  In anticipation of the enormous public interest in U.S. foreign policy, distinguished public figures will speak to The Chicago Council on Global Affairs as part of its year-long Chicago and the World Forum series: Road to 2008: American Leadership in an Uncertain World.

This series, beginning in November 2007, explores America’s role from historical, strategic, and policy perspectives. It will continue in spring 2008, with noted experts who will discuss the major international issues the next administration will face, including the future of international institutions, conflict in the Middle East, the rise of China, and managing transatlantic partnerships.

Recorded Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at InterContinental Hotel.