Public Diplomacy

The Bendetson Public Diplomacy Initiative is an effort to bring key global policymakers and officials to Tufts to share their experiences and perspectives with students.

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Robert and JoAnn Bendetson Public Diplomacy Initiative

The Bendetson Public Diplomacy Initiative is an effort to bring key global policymakers and officials to Tufts to share their experiences and perspectives with students and to create conducive environments in the search for common ground.

The program brings policymakers and officials together to discuss their shared experiences, such as in its program on ”Iraq: Moving Forward” in 2007 that explored next steps in Iraq with high level participants from Iraq, South Africa, Northern Ireland, and Guatemala. Working with the political and military leaders of the ANC, former Apartheid government figures, and with leaders of the IRA and Provo military and political groups, the Public Diplomacy Initiative convened meetings over several years with all elements of the Iraqi political spectrum, excluding Al-Qaeda. It worked for three years to encourage and create the “Helsinki Principles,” which formed the foundation for non-sectarian elections in Iraq. The meetings were hosted by the Conflict Management Initiative, an NGO founded by Nobel Laureate, Mayer Award recipient, and former President of Finland the Honorable Martti Ahtisaari. Its concluding gathering, at which the Principles were announced, was held in Baghdad. There are ongoing deliberations regarding economic and educational initiatives in Iraq.

Program At-a-Glance

Category

Experiential Education and Research

Areas of Study

Program Size

=10/yr

Year Founded

2006

Locations