February 18, 2025
SIU’s Paul Simon Institute director to discuss statesmanship at U.N. book event
CARBONDALE, Ill. — John Shaw, director of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, will discuss statesmanship and diplomacy on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the United Nations Bookshop in New York City.
Shaw will discuss his recently published book, “The Education of a Statesman: How Global Leaders Can Repair a Fractured World,” with Robert Skinner, a senior U.N. official. The discussion, which is from noon to 1 p.m. Central, is part of the United Nations Bookshop’s “Meet the Author” events. The discussion will be broadcast on Facebook live via @UNpublications.
The conversation will focus on statesmanship and diplomacy in the context of the career of Jan Eliasson, a respected Swedish and U.N. diplomat. Eliasson is the subject of Shaw’s book, “The Education of a Statesman,” published by Rowman & Littlefield late last year. Eliasson participated in a virtual discussion with Shaw in November as part of the institute’s “Understanding Our New World” series.
During his diplomatic career, Eliasson made important contributions to human rights, U.N. reform, sustainable development goals, international water policy and advocating for what he calls a culture of prevention.
“Eliasson’s career helps us understand the substance, theater, and spirit of diplomacy,” Shaw said. “His example provides insights into the complexities of this perilous time and suggests what can be done to renew the international order and calm the discontent that has infected international and domestic politics.”