On 15 May 2023, students of the MA Programme in Politics and Security had the opportunity to meet H.E. Lesslie Viguerie, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the U.S. to the Kyrgyz Republic, accompanied by Mr. Garrett Greenlee, Political Officer. During the meeting, Ambassador Viguerie discussed the U.S. foreign policy in Central Asia, highlighting both achievements and shortcomings. Specifically, he talked about the historical context of the U.S. involvement in Central Asia, its efforts to promote democracy and human rights in the region, as well as the U.S. support of economic initiatives, including the creative economy in Kyrgyzstan.
The students were engaged in a lively discussion and asked a range of questions, including the U.S. support programmes in Central Asian countries, the U.S. domestic policies, and the role of great powers in the region.