Visiting Scholars Share Global Insights and Expertise

This semester, the School of Diplomacy and International Relations is hosting two distinguished visiting scholars with experience in global governance, diplomacy and strategic thinking.  Farrukh Khan and Alisher Faizullaev, Ph.D., are accomplished professionals in their respective fields and will actively engage with students and faculty through lectures, research and mentorship.  

Farrukh Khan’s career in diplomacy and governance includes working with the government of Pakistan, serving as director general for the United Nations, and serving in the Organization of Islamic Conference and Economic Diplomacy. He has also represented Pakistan at the UN’s missions in Geneva and New York.  Additionally, he worked as a visiting scholar at the Perry World House at the University of Pennsylvania, and was a Senior Fellow at Harvard's Mossavar-Rehmani Center for Government and Business. 

While at Seton Hall, Professor Khan will explore the future of global governance, sustainable development and international diplomacy. One of his key initiatives is an interactive lecture series titled Reimagining Our Global Future, which aims to engage students and faculty in discussions on reforming the United Nations. 

Khan sees his time at the University as an opportunity for mutual learning. He advises students to remain curious, adaptable and proactive and urges them to seek practical experiences, build networks, and value mentorship. By the end of his tenure, Khan says he hopes to leave students feeling equipped with the knowledge to navigate diplomacy and global governance careers and foster lasting academic and professional relationships.

Professor Faizullaev is a scholar, author, teacher, diplomatic and negotiation skills trainer and the former Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the United Kingdom (1999-2003). He has also been his country’s representative to the Benelux region, the European Union and  NATO (1995-2003).  He was a Leif J. Sverdrup Global Teaching Fellow and Visiting Professor at Webster University in St. Louis, and a visiting scholar at McGill University, Cambridge University and Western Washington University. He also served as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and Georgetown University’s  Institute for the Study of Diplomacy.

Faizullaev’s work at Seton Hall focuses on two major research projects. He is working on a report on presentability and representability in diplomatic representation and will offer his preliminary findings at the International Studies Association (ISA) Annual Convention in Chicago.  Professor Faizullaev is also writing a book on strategic thinking and interaction.  In addition to his research, Faizullaev says he values the opportunity to engage with faculty and students, promoting an environment of mutual enrichment.  Seton Hall is a stimulating environment, with supportive faculty, he says, with a welcoming student body, and excellent resources that will be vital for his research.

Faizullaev offers three key pieces of advice to students. First, they should recognize that they are in a privileged position to live in a time of such rapid global change. He recommends that students analyze global changes and contribute meaningfully to international affairs. Second, he advises against underestimating the power of reading to expand one’s thinking. Finally, he believes that students should embrace self-awareness, hard work, and continuous personal growth.

The School of Diplomacy’s distinguished visiting scholars provide a valuable resource for those aspiring to careers in international affairs. Students are encouraged to get to know Professor Khan and Professor Faizullaev and learn from their insights and experiences on the global stage.

Categories: Nation and World