Derek Shearer

Derek Shearer is a prominent academic and former diplomat currently serving as the Chevalier Professor of Diplomacy and World Affairs at Occidental College in Los Angeles. He has been a faculty member at the college since 1981 and also directs the McKinnon Center for Global Affairs, which focuses on international relations and the expansion of the college's international affairs programs.123

Diplomatic Career

Shearer served as the U.S. Ambassador to Finland from 1994 to 1997, during the presidency of Bill Clinton. In this role, he was instrumental in developing a coordinated strategy for the Nordic-Baltic region and hosted the Clinton-Yeltsin summit in Helsinki. Prior to his ambassadorship, he was involved in the Clinton administration as the Deputy Undersecretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs and a senior policy advisor during Clinton's gubernatorial campaign.245

Education and Publications

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and history from Yale University and a Ph.D. in public policy from the Union Graduate School. Shearer has authored several publications, including "America and the World in the Age of Obama," and has contributed articles to major publications such as The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.234

Other Contributions

In addition to his teaching and diplomatic roles, Shearer has been involved in various advisory capacities and has lectured at numerous prestigious universities worldwide. He has received several fellowships and honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a U.S.-Japan Leadership Fellowship. His work encompasses topics like diplomacy, U.S. foreign policy, and economic policy.235

Derek Shearer resides in Pacific Palisades, California, with his wife, Sue Toigo, and has been recognized for his contributions to both academia and public service.45