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As agreed between the Institute of Security and
International Studies (ISIS) and the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of Thailand on 21 January 2008 the American Studies
Program acts as a specialist resource centre in American
Studies. This involves the production of briefing papers,
working papers, and a periodical electronic newsletter. The
Program is also in collaboration with other institutions and
organizations, both in Thailand and the wider region, in the
planning of specialist workshops and conferences. The
Program publishes conference proceedings, and acts as an
information centre, with support and encouragement for
undergraduate activities in American Studies.
The American Studies Program at ISIS is being established in
a year of the celebration of the 175th anniversary of
official Thai-U.S. diplomatic relations that marks an
important milestone in bilateral contacts between Thailand
and the United States. This is also the year in which the
world has been witnessing the most important, and exciting,
U.S. presidential elections in a long time. Given the power
and influence enjoyed by the U.S., all countries have a
stake in the outcome. The Program also extends its support
to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in celebrating this
crucial anniversary. Furthermore, the Program in its first
year is offering analysis and interpretation of how the U.S.
presidential election impacts on American foreign policy, as
it relates to Southeast Asia, with particular reference to
Thailand and Thai-U.S. relations.
The American Studies Program at ISIS had its official launch
on Thursday January 31. This was attended by the new U.S.
Ambassador to Thailand, His Excellency Mr. Eric John, and
Adviser to the Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs, His
Excellency Dr. Manaspas Xuto. |
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Mr.
Robert W. Fitts
was appointed the Program Director of
American Studies Program (ASP) in August,
2008. Prior to moving to Bangkok, he was a
career diplomat, joining the U.S. Foreign
Service in 1975. He concentrated much of his
career in the ASEAN region, including
Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. He
served as U.S. Ambassador to Papua New
Guinea and as Charge of the U.S. Embassy in
Manila. In Washington, he had several policy
assignments covering Southeast Asia and
worked as Legislative Assistant for Defense
and Foreign Affairs for then-Senator George
Mitchell.
Mr. Fitts graduated from Tufts University in
1970 with a degree in electrical
engineering. The early part of his State
Department career was as an economic analyst
and included substantial advanced economic
training. He served in Peace Corps (Malaysia)
and in the New York City government,
affording him experience in local as well as
national politics. He speaks Indonesian,
Malay and a modest amount of Arabic.
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