Philip Zelikow: To Build a Better World

In our final History and International Security Series lecture of the semester, Professor Simon Miles welcomes Philip Zelikow in conversation to discuss his research, examining key moments of decision, the might-have-beens, and the people central to choices that molded the contemporary world. By understanding the history, and what might have been, the conversation will seek lessons for America's way forward through this global time of uncertainty.

Philip Zelikow is the White Burkett Miller Professor of History and also leads the University's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. He was a career diplomat, posted overseas and in Washington, including service on the NSC staff for President George H.W. Bush. His Ph.D. is from Tufts University. Since leaving government service in 1991 he has taught and directed research programs at Harvard University and at the University of Virginia. where he directed the Miller Center of Public Affairs from 1998 to 2005. In addition to service on government advisory boards and as an elected member of a local school board, he has taken two public service leaves from academia to return full-time to government service, in 2003-04 to direct the 9/11 Commission and in 2005-07 as Counselor of the Department of State, a deputy to Secretary Rice. He also advises the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's program in global development and is a member of President Obama's Intelligence Advisory Board.