The Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination's Program on Religion, Diplomacy and International Relations (PORDIR) weekly lunch seminar will feature Dr. Norman Ricklefs as the guest speaker on Wednesday, February 11, 2015. Ricklefs will offer his perspectives on this year's PORDIR theme of Religion and Violence. PORDIR lunches are open to program fellows and invited faculty only.

Norman Ricklefs served in Iraq from 2005 to 2011, in various different roles as an analyst and advisor to the Australian and US militaries, and from 2007 embedded within the Iraqi Government as an advisor. From 2009-2010 he was the senior advisor to the Iraqi Minister of Interior. Dr. Ricklefs, an Arabic speaker, was an integral part of the minister's staff during a time of considerable change as the US military withdrew from the cities and handed control over to the Iraqi security forces. He became a trusted friend and confidant of the Interior Minister and was involved in both his duties as a public official and his political activities as the leader of a major centrist political group.  

In 2013 Dr. Ricklefs took a sabbatical from IAG to serve as advisor to the Libyan Prime Minister, on behalf of U.S. Embassy Tripoli. 

Dr. Ricklefs holds a Ph.D. in History and lectured in the university system before joining government service. He worked extensively as a historical researcher and archaeologist in the Middle East while in academia, living and traveling throughout the region. For his service in Iraq, Dr. Ricklefs was awarded the US Department of Defense's Outstanding Civilian Service medal and also the Commander's Public Service medal.