People
Knox Thames
Profile
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Knox Thames is a globally recognized human rights lawyer, advocate, and author who has worked for over two decades to promote human rights, defend religious minorities, and combat persecution worldwide. His 20-year government career spans service under the Bush, Obama, and Trump administrations, reflecting a nonpartisan approach to diplomacy. As a reflection of this, he was named the first special advisor for religious minorities at the U.S. Department of State, working under both the Obama and Trump administrations to address persecution in the Middle East and South/Central Asia. Currently, Thames directs the Program on Global Faith and Inclusive Societies at Pepperdine University, a research initiative supported by the Templeton Religion Trust. His new book, Ending Persecution: Charting the Path to Global Religious Freedom (Notre Dame Press, 2024), comprehensively explores strategies to combat religious oppression worldwide. He was also the lead author of International Religious Freedom Advocacy: A Guide to Organizations, Law, and NGOs.