LITERATURE + LECTURES

The World Affairs Council of Houston presents  Who Are We to the World?

Karen Hughes (pictured)
Former Advisor to President George W. Bush

Karen Hughes will examine the complex mosaic of the way other countries view us. Far beyond public relations, how our national character is perceived will determine whether our initiatives will be met with trust or hostility, cooperation or confrontation. The tone of the new administration may broaden our acceptance, but hard realities and conflicting interests may intrude.

As Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy from 2005 to 2007, Karen Hughes led the State Department's effort to communicate America’s values and positions abroad. She managed a team of several thousand diplomats and traveled to more than 50 nations as part of her service and humanitarian activities.

Karen Hughes served as counselor to President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2002. She was strategic advisor to the president on policy and communications and managed the White House offices of communications, media affairs, speechwriting, and press secretary. Karen graduated summa cum laude from Southern Methodist University with a degree in journalism. She is the author of Ten Minutes from Normal, a memoir of her experiences with President Bush.