Ambassador Edward Walker is a Professor of Global Politics at Hamilton College. He previously served as President of Middle East Institute. He was also Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, US Ambassador to Israel, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Walker served as the Deputy Chief of Mission in Saudi Arabia and in political, economic and training functions in Lebanon, Syria, and Tunisia. He developed the Economic Reform program for Egypt with the Vice President’s office while serving as US Ambassador to Egypt. Additionally, he managed the build-up of US forces in the United Arab Emirates and directed coordination with the UAE armed forces duringthe 1991 Gulf war. Walker also negotiated the Western Sahara issue with the Moroccan King and Algerian President in coordination with former Secretary of State James Baker.