A Diplomat’s Journey

Wolfgang Ischinger F73

Wolfgang Ischinger’s journey to the Fletcher School began unexpectedly. After completing law school in Germany, he sought a scholarship to pursue international relations and law in the US. A friend recommended The Fletcher School, leading to a pivotal decision by the scholarship agency to fund his studies there.

In the fall of 1972, Wolfgang arrived in Massachusetts with his wife, immersing himself in the vibrant community of American and international students and faculty at Fletcher. Among his fondest memories was encountering the renowned international law professor Leo Gross, whose intellect and personality left a lasting impression on Wolfgang.

A Transformative Academic Experience

Unlike his experience in Germany, Wolfgang found direct personal contact with senior faculty members at Fletcher and Harvard, where eminent scholars organized personalized meetings and seminars. These interactions broadened his intellectual experience, particularly through events hosted by the centers for European affairs, where he engaged with political and academic leaders from around the world.

Following his second year at Fletcher, Wolfgang decided to extend his stay for another year, delving into research on public international law, particularly humanitarian law. A six-week internship at the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs in New York unexpectedly led to a full-time job offer, marking the beginning of his esteemed diplomatic career.

A Storied Diplomatic Career

Wolfgang's diplomatic journey saw him hold pivotal roles, including director of the Policy Planning Staff after the Reunification of Germany and Deputy Foreign Minister. He played significant roles in momentous negotiations such as the Bosnia Peace Talks and the NATO-Russia Founding Act. Wolfgang also represented Germany in key international summits and conferences including the 2000 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) at the United Nations in New York. 

In 2001, we accepted his appointment as German Ambassador to the United States, and since then Wolfgang's impact has extended across diplomatic arenas. From co-chairing the Transatlantic Task Force of the German Marshall Fund to serving as Chair of the Munich Security Conference, his contributions continue to shape international relations and diplomacy.