Florida State University welcomed Ambassador Thomas A. Shannon, Jr., the former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, for a lecture on March 26 as part of its Engage Your World Speaker Series and the Ruth K. and Shepard Broad International Lecture Series, according to an April 3 announcement.
Shannon spoke to students, staff, and faculty about changes in the global order and how future leaders can shape new paradigms. His remarks addressed the responsibilities facing younger generations as they enter a rapidly changing world.
“I wanted to speak to all of you, especially as students, about the kind of world that you’re going to be sailing into and the kind of impact you can have in that world,” Shannon said. He drew from his nearly 35-year diplomatic career—including service as U.S. Ambassador to Brazil and Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs—to offer insights into what he described as a “transformative” era.
Shannon highlighted that while states remain central in international affairs, societies and cultures are increasingly important in shaping outcomes. “A country like the United States…is uniquely positioned to take advantage of this kind of environment,” he said. He also emphasized technology’s role in driving global engagement: “With the kinds of dramatic technological advances we’re going to see today, lack of access or inequality is going to become a defining feature.”
He urged attendees not only to adapt but also actively participate in shaping change: “It doesn’t matter where you are…the world is going to come and find you…And this is an opportunity that is rarely given.” After his lecture, Shannon answered questions from Mark Schlakman with FSU’s Center for the Advancement of Human Rights regarding current affairs.
“This is not a time to be fearful,” Shannon said. “This is not a time to be doubtful. This is a time to understand that we are in a moment of change and that this change is going to be profound.”
More information about related university programs can be found at cge.fsu.edu (Center for Global Engagement), cahr.fsu.edu (Center for the Advancement of Human Rights), and cosspp.fsu.edu (College of Social Sciences and Public Policy).
