Pardee Professors Share Perspectives on Multilateral Diplomacy at BarMUN

L to R: Luke Gialanella, Aimee Genell, and Mark Storella

Aimee Genell, Assistant Professor of International History and Ambassador Mark C. Storella, Professor of the Practice of Diplomacy of Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies participated in a panel discussion at the Boston Area Model UN conference (BarMUN) on October 11. The “Perspectives on Diplomacy” panel, moderated by Luke Gialanella, Pardee School sophomore and Under-Secretary-General for the conference, explored historic antecedents to current multilateral institutions and examined challenges to multilateral diplomacy.

The professors discussed global disruptions affecting diplomatic relations, including the performance of UN Security Council members, global crises in health and climate, and the roles of non-state actors. They encouraged students to develop their Model UN skills to help build global solutions for this century’s challenges.

The panel was part of BarMUN’s seventeenth iteration, held at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza from October 10-13. Under the theme “Set Sail for Change,” the conference offered 18 different committee experiences, including General Assembly, ECOSOC, and specialized crisis committees. The event brought together delegates from across the world to engage in diplomatic simulations and debate.

The conference was organized by the Boston University International Affairs Association, with a focus on providing opportunities for connection, growth, and community through diplomatic engagement.

Aimee Genell is an Assistant Professor of International History. Her research focuses on the history of the late Ottoman Empire and its entanglements with Europe in the area of international law and international relations. Professor Genell’s areas of expertise include the history of international law and international relations, transformative military occupation, weak states in international politics, the late Ottoman Empire and the modern Middle East, and legal history.  Learn more about Professor Genell on her faculty profile.

Ambassador Mark C. Storella was a United States Foreign Service Officer for over three decades serving as Ambassador to Zambia, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration, and Dean of the Leadership and Management School of the Foreign Service Institute. Storella is a recipient of the Presidential Rank Award, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Excellence in Service Award, the Thomas Jefferson Award presented by American Citizens Abroad, and several Department of State superior and meritorious honor awards. Learn more about Ambassador Storella on his faculty profile.