Embassy News 2006
U.S. Embassy Donates Books to the University of Iceland to Strengthen International Security Studies
The U.S. Embassy has donated almost 200 books on security and defense issues to the Institute of International Affairs at the University of Iceland and the National Library.
At the book donation ceremony April 5, Ambassador Carol van Voorst said: “Our goal in offering these materials is simple. As Iceland’s longtime friend and ally, we want to help prepare a rising generation to participate in an informed, energetic discussion of security issues, as these relate to Iceland directly, as well as the Alliance and world at large. Security studies is not a field to be left to the generals.
The history of the 20th century shows us all how important it is that the citizens of a democracy understand and debate among themselves issues related to their own national security. The study of national security is far more than the study of warfare. The very concept of national security is changing, expanding to encompass not just traditional military affairs, but such issues as international crime, trafficking in persons and dangerous materials, and threats to the environment.”
Ambassador van Voorst added that the book donation is only one of several projects through which the Embassy is increasing its involvement with the University of Iceland and other Icelandic institutions of higher learning.
“We are working through speaker programs, joint sponsorship of conferences, and our ongoing cooperation with the Fulbright Commission to encourage Icelandic students to study in the United States,” she said.
University of Iceland Rector Dr. Kristin Ingolfsdottir, Professor Baldur Þórhallsson of the Institute of International Affairs, and National Library Director Dr. Sigrun Klara Hannesdottir also spoke at the ceremony and thanked the Ambassador for the Embassy’s donation. The Rector said the donation was yet another example of the close ties between the Embassy and the University and between the United States and Iceland.
The Institute of International Affairs and the Embassy selected the 178 books with an eye toward the needs of students enrolled in the University’s new Master’s Degree in International Relations program, but the books will be available to any patron of the National Library.
The Embassy plans additional donations to the collection in the coming years.