Paula Newberg, a specialist in democracy, rights and development in crisis and transition states, has been appointed the new director of the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy (ISD), Walsh School of Foreign Service Dean Robert Gallucci announced Jan. 12.

“ISD has been an invaluable resource for both the university and the diplomatic community, and we are thrilled to embark on the next stage in the institute’s development with Paula Newberg at the helm,” Gallucci said.

Newberg, who joined Georgetown earlier this month, has had a long and varied career as a scholar and practitioner with a wide range of experience in multilateral and nongovernmental organizations.

She spent many years as special adviser to the United Nations and the United Nations Foundation, living and working in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Her numerous postings included Afghanistan during and after Taliban rule, and she continues to serve as an adviser and consultant to American and foreign-based nongovernmental organizations.

A former foundation executive in New York, Newberg also served as a senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, co-founded its Democracy Project and led its South Asia Roundtable. She has been a guest scholar at the Brookings Institution and taught in the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University.

The Oberlin College graduate received her bachelor’s degree in philosophy and literature before earning her master’s and doctorate in political science from the University of Chicago.

Newberg succeeds Casimir Yost, who stepped down from ISD last year after a 14-year tenure. Yost will have a joint appointment in ISD as a senior research fellow and in the Master of Science in Foreign Service program as a visiting professor.

-- Blue & Gray Staff Reports

(January 26, 2009)