Jan Eliasson, a former Swedish and United Nations diplomat, will join Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute for a virtual discussion on March 13 about the American and Israeli attack on Iran and the growing conflict in the Middle East.
The event aims to provide insight into United States policy and the ongoing conflict. The free public discussion will be held via Zoom at 11 a.m., with registration required through the institute’s website.
John Shaw, director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, said, “Jan Eliasson is one of the world’s most respected and experienced diplomats who has extensive experience dealing with Iranian leaders.” Shaw added, “He also lived in the United States for many years and has a nuanced appreciation of how this new war in the Middle East may affect America’s global reputation.”
Eliasson has served as an adviser to Sweden’s prime minister, ambassador to both the United Nations and the United States, deputy foreign minister, and foreign minister. He also held several high-level positions within the United Nations, including special adviser to the secretary-general, president of the U.N. General Assembly, special envoy to Darfur, under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, and deputy secretary-general.
Shaw said that Eliasson “served at the pinnacle of global diplomacy for decades,” noting his experience dealing with conflict in the Middle East and multiple visits to Iran. Shaw continued, “We are eager to hear Mr. Eliasson’s perspective on how this war will end and what its costs will be to the region and to the rules-based international order.”
Eliasson previously participated in a Dec. 17 virtual discussion with Shaw about global challenges facing the international system. Shaw has written two books about Eliasson: “The Education of a Statesman: How Global Leaders Can Repair a Fractured World,” released in 2024; and “The Ambassador: Inside the Life of a Working Diplomat,” released in 2006.
Attendees can submit questions for Eliasson during registration or by emailing paulsimoninstitute@siu.edu. More information about upcoming events is available on the institute’s website.
