U.S. Ambassador to speak in Philadelphia on North Korea and nuclear weapons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- At a time when acts of North Korean aggression are dominating news cycles and shaping foreign policy, former U.S. Ambassador and Penn State School of International Affairs professor Joseph DeThomas will offer context and insight for how the international community can address this complex and delicate situation.

DeThomas, whose expertise and commentary on North Korea is frequently featured in major news outlets, will deliver an address titled “North Korea: Nuclear Weapons and the Future” on Tuesday, October 3 at the Penn State Center in Philadelphia, located at 675 Sansom St. The event, which is free and open to the public, will begin with a meet-and-greet at 5:30 p.m., and DeThomas will begin his address at 6:00 p.m.

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Sponsored by the Penn State School of International Affairs, the Penn State Center Philadelphia, the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, and the Global Philadelphia Association, this event will examine the North Korea’s possible motives, how past administrations have dealt with North Korea, and what the possible options for how the Trump administration may deal with this sensitive international situation.

DeThomas spent a decorated career of 29 years as a member of the U.S. Foreign Service, with tours in Austria, Ethiopia, Germany, Iran, and Mexico, and served as the U.S. Ambassador to Estonia from 2001 to 2004. He has also worked at the highest levels of the U.S. State Department, where he worked on issues of nuclear proliferation in North Korea. As a Professor of International Affairs, DeThomas’ research and commentary on North Korea and other issues is often featured in academic journals and media outlets including the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and Newsweek.

The Penn State Center Philadelphia, located adjacent to Philadelphia’s historic district and Independence Hall, is the connection point between Penn State University and the Philadelphia area and often hosts events such as this with distinguished guests for the benefit of the Philadelphia community. Global Philadelphia is a member-governed nonprofit organization that aims to enhance the Philadelphia region’s global profile, promote the development of an international consciousness in the region, and facilitate international activity among organizations and people in and around Philadelphia. The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization dedicated to informing and engaging people of all ages on matters of national and international significance that provides its members and the greater Philadelphia community with access to influential figures in the global arena as well as opportunities to visit fascinating destinations through its unique travel program.

Although the event is free and open to the public, prior registration is requested.