In his memoir, “Uncommon Company: Dissidents and Diplomats, Enemies and Artists” (2024, Rodin Books), William Luers — former U.S. ambassador to Czechoslovakia and Venezuela, and past president of the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art — reflects on his career at the intersection of diplomacy, culture, and creativity. At this event, Luers shared stories of his work as a U.S. diplomat in Europe and Latin America, where he used art and cultural exchange to forge common ground and build bridges across ideological divides. From navigating complex international relationships to collaborating with artists and critics, Luers highlights the transformative power of creativity in advancing dialogue and connection. The book offers unique insights into historical moments and the people who shaped them, offering lessons on the enduring importance of diplomacy in today’s world.
This event was co-sponsored by the Baker Institute Director’s Office and the Moody Center for the Arts. It was free and open to the public.
Follow @BakerInstitute on X and join the conversation online with #BakerLive.
Registration
Registration has closed.
Baker Institute events are powered by the generous contributions of our supporters. Learn how you can make a donation or become a member of the Baker Roundtable.
Agenda
5:00 pm CST — Reception
5:30 pm CST — Introductions
5:35 pm CST — Armchair Discussion
6:10 pm CST — Audience Q&A
Participants
Featured Speaker
William H. Luers is an adjunct professor of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University and the director of The Iran Project. He previously served as president of the United Nations Association of the USA (1999-2009) and president of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City (1986-1999). Luers has a 31-year career in foreign service, including roles as U.S. ambassador to Czechoslovakia (1983-1986) and Venezuela (1978-1982). He also held various posts in Italy, Germany, the Soviet Union, and the Department of State. In addition to his current role at Columbia, Luers has been an adjunct professor at several universities. He was also a director’s visitor at Princeton’s Institute for Advanced Study. An active member of the Council on Foreign Relations and other public policy organizations, Luers serves on several corporate and nonprofit boards, including the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the National Museum of Natural History, the Trust for Mutual Understanding, and the Rubin Museum of Art. He is chairman of the advisory boards of the Center for Public Diplomacy at the Annenberg School of Communication at the University of Southern California and The Harriman Institute at Columbia University. Luers speaks on foreign affairs, diplomacy, the U.N., and the arts, and has been widely published on foreign policy issues. Born in Springfield, Illinois, Luers received his B.A. from Hamilton College and his M.A. from Columbia University after serving four years in the U.S. Navy. He speaks Spanish, Russian and Italian.
Moderator
The Honorable David M. Satterfield
Director, Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy; Janice and Robert McNair Chair in Public Policy; Former Ambassador to Lebanon and Turkey