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Distinguished Speaker Series

Adolfo Aguilar Zinser
Former Mexican Ambassador to the United Nations

Summary
On February 16, the Center welcomed former Mexican Ambassador to the United Nations Adolfo Aguilar Zinser as part of the Center's Distinguished Speakers Series. Ambassador Aguilar Zinser recounted his experiences within the UN during the weeks leading up to the U.S. invasion of Iraq. His description provided a unique perspective on now-familiar events such as then-Secretary of State Colin Powell's speech making the case for war, and provided an inside view of Mexico's strategy on the issue, vis-a-vis the U.S., France, and other major players in the Security Council discussions. He emphasized that Mexico's role within the Security Council was more critical than the public was led to believe and that, in general, Mexico possesses more leverage in that forum than is generally accepted. Ambassador Aguilar Zinser believes Mexico has positioned and prepared itself to play a major role on the world stage since the election of Vicente Fox in 2000.

The Speaker
Adolfo Aguilar Zinser is a Senior Guest Scholar at the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies and is a research professor with the Center for Research on North America at UNAM. He served as Mexico's ambassador to the United Nations from 2002-2003; he also served as national security advisor and Commissioner of Law and Order for President Vicente Fox, and was the international affairs coordinator of President Fox's transition team. He was a member of the Mexican Senate from 1997-2000 and served in Mexico's Federal Chamber of Deputies from 1994-97. He was spokesman and communications director for the presidential campaign of Cuautéhmoc Cárdenas in 1993. He has also held a number of academic positions in Mexico and abroad. Widely published in English and Spanish, Ambassador Aguilar Zinser is a syndicated columnist for Reforma and several other Mexican newspapers.

The Distinguished Speakers Series is designed to bring San Diego community leaders and the Center closer together through programming on current issues in Mexico and U.S.-Mexico relations. Financial support for the Series comes from the Center Circle. The Series is open to all members of the UCSD community as well as to faculty and students form other universities and the general public. Parking permits can be purchased at UCSD’s information booths. Metered parking is available in the Pangea parking structure.

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