A Backward Look at Ukraine & Afghanistan

Thomas E. Gouttierre was the longtime Dean of International Studies & Programs at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Director of the Center for Afghanistan Studies, serving from 1974 until his retirement in 2015. He was born in Maumee, OH. He received a B.A. and an M.A. from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH. In 1987, Professor Gouttierre received the UNO Chancellor's Medal.

"Mr. Gouttierre is widely regarded as one of the leading experts on Afghanistan and U.S.-Afghan relations in the Western Hemisphere. Prior to assuming his present position in 1974, Mr. Gouttierre lived and worked for nearly 10 years in Afghanistan, serving as a Peace Corps volunteer, a Fulbright fellow, Executive Director of the Fulbright Foundation, and Head Coach of the Afghan National Basketball Team. He was also seconded by the U.S. State Department to serve as Senior Political Affairs Officer on the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission to Afghanistan in 1996 and 1997. Mr. Gouttierre speaks, reads, and writes Dari, Farsi, and Tajikistani Persian. His publications include numerous articles about Afghanistan society, culture, and politics. He co-authored the two-volume language textbook Dari for Foreigners and a bibliography of Persian works in English. He also writes original Dari poetry and serves as an internationally recognized authority on Central Asia’s cultures and conflicts, appearing in news articles and broadcasts worldwide.

"Mr. Gouttierre also has decades of experience with the languages and cultures of other Central Asian countries, and he has long been involved in an ongoing dialogue about U.S.-Russia relations. In his role as Dean of International Studies & Programs, he has travelled widely and worked with students and faculty from all over the world.

"In addition to his leadership duties, Mr. Gouttierre continues to teach courses in international relations, and he personally advises many INST majors."

Source: "Directory Profiles: Tom Gouttierre." University of Nebraska at Omaha International Studies & Programs website. Retrieved on 2016-02-16: http://www.unomaha.edu/international-studies-and-programs/about-us/directory/tom-gouttierre.php