Former ambassador to speak on US relations with Venezuela Feb. 5

MOSCOW, Idaho — A former U.S. ambassador to Venezuela will discuss the United States’ relationship with the South American country at a free presentation at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, in the Idaho Student Union Building (ISUB) Horizon-Aurora Room on the University of Idaho campus in Moscow. 

The Martin Forum address, put on by the Martin Institute, is part of Ambassador Patrick Duddy’s weeklong visit to U of I, during which he will also teach a short course on inter-American relations and visit with students, including those in international studies and business courses.

“We are excited to welcome Ambassador Duddy to the Palouse and to tap into his vast knowledge and experience as we explore the U.S.’ relationship with Venezuela,” said Bill Smith, director of the Martin Institute.

Duddy is a senior advisor on Global Affairs at Duke University. He also teaches in Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. Before joining the Duke faculty, Duddy served as a U.S. diplomat for nearly 30 years. At his retirement from the U.S. Foreign Service, he was one of the Department of State’s most senior Latin American specialists with exceptionally broad experience in trade, energy, public affairs and crisis management. From 2007 to 2010, he was the U.S. ambassador to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

Since 1999, the Martin Institute has organized a series of lectures on international issues known as the Martin Forums. Ideally suited to a non-partisan audience, these lectures feature experts from the U of I community and beyond. Martin Forum speakers deliver a public lecture, visit classes and meet with campus and community audiences in informal settings. These have covered a wide range of issues, including war and peace, human rights and socioeconomics, as well as resources and development. 

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Christine Luten
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208-885-0303
cluten@uidaho.edu