Religion and the Struggle Against Apartheid in South Africa

Former US Ambassador Edward Perkins
November 15, 2006Perkins Book
Mortara Building
Cosponsor: African Studies Department


In 1985 President Ronald Reagan appointed Dr. Perkins as Ambassador to South Africa, where he served during the crucial years 1986-89 that witnessed the unraveling of Apartheid. He spoke about his experience in South Africa during those years.

Before his posting in South Africa, Dr. Perkins served in a variety of posts in Asia., in Africa, and as leading foreign service officer within the State Department. In 1989 he was appointed as Director General of the US Foreign Service, where he served until 1992. He then served as US Ambassador to the United Nations until 1993, when then served as US Ambassador to Australia during President Clinton's first term. 

Since 1996, Dr. Perkins has served as the William J. Crowe Chair and as Executive Director of the International Programs Center at the University of Oklahoma. He is the editor of several important books on US foreign policy and the Middle East Peace Process, and the author of the recently released Mr. Ambassador: Warrior For Peace. Memoirs of a Career Foreign Service Officer.