It's an exciting time to be in Washington
The embassy hosted a fascinating discussion on US history and its politics with top British historian Simon Schama last night. He's in Washington to promote his four-part documentary "The American Future: A History." His documentary looks at some relevant issues through the lens of US history: jobs and the economy, wars overseas and immigration.
Simon Schama, myself and Thomas Friedman after watching selections from Professor Schama's documentary.
I think this event showcases the diversity of what we do at embassies. They are often thought of as creating political connections between governments. It's important to remember though that embassies build cultural relationships as much as political, defence and economic ones.
We're very busy at this embassy with both political and cultural exchanges. Professor Schama's talk is the first of three events leading up to the inauguration of President Obama on Tuesday. Dr Henry Kissinger will come tonight to give a lecture under the auspices of the Atlantic Council on trans-Atlantic issues under the new Administration. On Saturday, I'm hosting the Illinois delegation to the inauguration.
All three events will bring together people with an interest in the unique UK-US relationship. They will celebrate our cultural, academic and political ties at an exciting and rich moment in America's history and its relationship with its allies around the world.
Posted at 13:04 15 January 2009 by Nigel Sheinwald | Comments[2]
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