Akron Council on World Affairs > Programs > Speaker Series > Speaker Profiles - http://www.akronworldaffairs.org/programs/speaker_bios/potman.html

UPCOMING EVENT

The Netherlands and Europe: Between Destiny and Choice;
The Dutch and the Americans: Old Friends and Persistent Allies

Thursday, November 10

REGISTER BY NOV. 8

Peter C. Potman will discuss recent trends in the Netherlands’ relationship with Europe and the European Union. The perspective of the Netherlands’ policy on the EU was sharply altered by the referendum of June 1, 2005, on the Treaty on a European Constitution, in which the Dutch people voted against the treaty. Mr. Potman will also delve into the relationship between the Netherlands and the U.S., which has been a consistent story of friends and allies.

Peter C. Potman

Political Counselor, Royal Netherlands Embassy, Washington, D.C.

Peter Potman has been Counselor for Political Affairs at the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Washington, D.C., since June 2004. His portfolio includes Asia, non-proliferation, counter terrorism and several human rights issues.

Prior to this position he served as Deputy Head, Nuclear Affairs and Non-Proliferation Division of the Security Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague (2000-2004); Deputy Head, Social and Cultural UN Affairs, Division of the UN Department (1997-2000); member of the Netherlands delegation to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva (1994-1997); desk officer South East Asia at the Asia Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1992-1994), and was posted at the Netherlands Embassy in Beijing (1989-1992).

Peter Potman studied History and European Studies at the University of Amsterdam, where he graduated with a Masters degree in European Studies in 1988. He joined the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs in that same year.

Peter Potman (born 5/31/1964) is married and has 2 children.