By the invitation of Dr Julian Emami Namini, Erasmus School of Economics welcomed US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra for a guest lecture on Wednesday 10 October 2018. The guest lecture was part of the Bachelor -2 International Economics course of Assitant Professor of International Economics Julian Emami Namini and organised in close cooperation with the School’s association EFR.
Ambassador Pete Hoekstra shared his views and on America's very loose economic policies, worsening foreign trade disputes, soaring energy costs and dangerous military confrontations. The lecture was followed by a Q&A session with students. During this session, students asked the US Ambassador about his opinion on politics, President Trump, defense, the trade relationship between the Netherlands and the United States and much more.
Pete Hoekstra was born in Groningen, but migrated to the United States of America when he was three. In the US he became a prominent politician and business executive with a long history of public service. The Ambassador served as a Member of Congress for eighteen years (1993-2011) representing Michigan’s 2nd District. Ambassador Hoekstra was a member of the Executive Committee of the Netherlands American Foundation. He has written on issues of international affairs, intelligence, and security including the book, “Architects of Disaster: The Destruction of Libya” in 2015. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Hope College, an MBA from the University of Michigan, and an Honorary Doctorate from Grand Valley State University. His awards include the Order of the House of Orange from the Netherlands, the “National Intelligence Distinguished Public Service Medal”, the CIA “Agency Seal Medal,” and the Hope College Distinguished Alumni Award.
Erasmus School of Economics would like to thank Pete Hoekstra for his inspiring and insightful guest lecture and Julian Emami Namini and the School’s association EFR for organising the event!