Yale Bulletin and Calendar

March 7, 2008|Volume 36, Number 21|Two-Week Issue

Tony Blair

Tony Blair to teach Yale course
on faith and globalization

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair will teach a course at Yale during the 2008-2009 academic year as the Howland Distinguished Fellow.

The course that Blair will lead will examine issues of faith and globalization, and will draw on the expertise of Yale faculty participants. His time at Yale will be related to the work of the soon-to-be-launched Tony Blair Faith Foundation, an organization devoted to promoting understanding between the major faiths and increase understanding of the role of faith in the modern world.

“The appointment of Mr. Blair provides a tremendous opportunity for our students and our community,” said President Richard C. Levin. “As the world continues to become increasingly inter-dependent, it is essential that we explore how religious values can be channeled toward reconciliation rather than polarization. Mr. Blair has demonstrated outstanding leadership in these areas and is especially qualified to bring his perspective to bear. We are honored that he is planning to join the Yale community.”

Blair, who served as prime minister of the United Kingdom 1997-2007, continues to be active in public life. After stepping down as prime minister, he was named official envoy of the Quartet on the Middle East, representing the United States, the United Nations, Russia and the European Union, helping the Palestinians to prepare for statehood as part of the international community’s effort to secure peace.

The Howland Distinguished Fellowship was created in 1915 to recognize a “citizen of any country in recognition of some achievement of marked distinction in the field of literature or fine arts or the science of government.” Among those who have been Howland Distinguished Fellows in the last century are the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, journalist Sir Alistair Cooke and Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

The deans of the Yale School of Management and the Divinity School are working with Blair on finalizing details of his Yale program.

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