Swiss ambassador to be visiting professor

Alfred Defago, Switzerland’s ambassador to the United States will be a visiting professor at the International Institute for the 2001-02 academic year.

“It is indeed a rare and exciting opportunity to have an ambassador teach at the UW–Madison for two full semesters,” says David M. Trubek, dean of International Studies. “I know our students and the entire university community will be enriched by Ambassador Defago’s distinguished background and experience, and join me in welcoming him here.”

Defago will complete his term as ambassador in August. “I greatly look forward to this new experience in my professional life,” he says. “To teach in the field of international relations at one of the country’s finest universities is not only an honor, but also an exciting challenge.

“I hope the diversity of my career will be a valuable contribution to the broad curriculum of the university’s International Institute and to the academic experience of its students,” Defago adds.

Defago, who visited Wisconsin last November to promote state trade with Switzerland, will speak in Madison Tuesday, April 10, at 3:30 p.m. in the Fluno Center Auditorium, 601 University Ave. His free public lecture is “The United States and Europe: Two Worlds Drifting Apart? An Ambassador’s Perspective.”

Although Defago’s schedule is being finalized, he is expected to teach an upper-level course on European-American relations that will be open to undergraduates and graduate students. Defago is also expected to teach a capstone seminar in international studies on contemporary diplomatic practice in spring 2002. A special program on contemporary Switzerland featuring outside guest speakers is also being developed. The program will be directed toward the general public as well as the university community.

Defago intends to do research work for a study of European-American relations during his appointment at the institute.

Defago has a background as a foreign and public service officer. He has been ambassador of Switzerland to the United States since 1997. Before that post, he was consul general of Switzerland in New York from 1994-1997. Prior to his transfer to the United States, he was secretary general of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs from 1993 to 1994. Defago’s public service career began in 1971 when he joined the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, Switzerland’s largest broadcast network. Defago was editor-in-chief of the national radio service of the SBC from 1984 to 1986.

Defago has a Ph.D. in history and German literature from the University of Bern, Switzerland. He has also studied at the University of Vienna, the German Institute in Rome and the Vatican Library. He spent a sabbatical year in Berkeley, California in 1983.

For information, contact Ronnie Hess, director of communications and publications, Office of International Studies and Programs, (608) 262-5590, rlhess@facstaff.wisc.edu.