LONDONDERRY— American Exceptionalism is an ideology holding the United States as unique among nations with respect to its ideals of democracy and personal freedom. From the determination of the original settlers to create a society different from the 18thcentury European model, how has it fared? Is modern America all that different from everywhere else? Derek Boothby will offer an assessment from the viewpoint of a naturalized American at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 19 at Neighborhood Connections.
Boothby graduated from the Britannia Royal Naval College and was a professional naval officer until 1978. Leaving the Royal Navy as a Commander, he joined the United Nations in New York as the Liaison Officer to the Military Staff Committee. In July 1992 he led a chemical weapon investigation in Azerbaijan. From September 1992 until March 1993 he was on the personal staff of Cyrus Vance and Lord Owen in an effort to halt the widening conflicts in former Yugoslavia. Following his 1998 retirement, he led a UN team for two years developing the concepts of early warning and conflict prevention while he continued to work and lecture independently on international political and security affairs. In June 1998 he was awarded by the Queen the honor of Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George. He and his wife moved to Manchester in 2002 and became US citizens in 2009.
This lecture is offered at no charge, but call (802) 824-4343 to attend. Neighborhood Connections is located in Londonderry’s Mountain Marketplace, next to the post office.
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