Robert Becker

Bio

Mr. Becker, a native of Virginia, earned his BA in German from Carleton College in Minnesota, (1962) and MA in German studies and history from the University of Minnesota (1965).
He culminated a 34 year career with the US State Department as Consul General in Leipzig, Germany. As a diplomat he specialized in European affairs and East-West relations during and after the Cold War. Subsequently, (2000-2010) he served with the rank of Ambassador as Deputy Head of the OSCE Missions to Croatia and Ukraine and as a seconded special advisor to the Lithuanian Foreign Minister. His work with the OSCE involved supporting the countries where he served in developing democratic institutions and principles of rule of law, free elections and human rights. Maintaining his strong interest in current European affairs and the US role in international relations he has taught at SU since 2010.

Teaching Philosophy

I see my role to be that of a facilitator, guiding and supporting students in developing their knowledge and critical reasoning capabilities. My special contribution to my students is my ability to bring to life through my personal and practical experiences as a practicing diplomat and international civil servant the academic theories and concepts which form the structures of my courses.
Current Courses
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Service Activities and Community Relations
External Collaboration Highlights

Subsequent to my retirement from full time international policy activities I have served as an international election observer in 7 national elections in four countries -- Germany, Ukraine, Montenegro and Belorussia -- ensuring and/or promoting the development of more free and fair elections in those states.

By agreement of the US and Lithuanian governments I was seconded in 2010-2011 as a special advisor and policy officer to the Foreign Minister of Lithuania during his one year tenure as Chairman in Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). My duties included working directly for the Foreign Minister and other senior government officials in developing policies to promote the rule of law, human rights, religious freedom, freedom of the media and to moderate incipient conflicts among the 57 member states of the OSCE.
Press Releases
1. SU Hosts Ukraine Roundtable Discussion Tuesday, March 25
  Thursday, March 13, 2014
2. SU's Becker Observes Ukraine Elections With OSCE
  Friday, November 30, 2012

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