2016 Telstra Distinguished International Fellow: Journalist and author David Ignatius

Dr Michael Fullilove, Executive Director of the Lowy Institute, today welcomed Washington Post Associate Editor and best-selling author David Ignatius as the Institute’s 2016 Telstra Distinguished International Fellow.

“David is considered one of Washington’s most influential columnists and political insiders. He has helped inform and shape public debate on a range of foreign policy issues through his column at the Washington Post, and has also written for the Wall Street Journal and New York Times during his distinguished career in journalism,” said Dr Fullilove.

“I look forward to the contribution David will make to Australian public debate on issues such as Australia–US relations, the 2016 US presidential election and the current thinking in Washington about military intervention against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.”   

In addition to his regular column for the Washington Post, David Ignatius has authored nine novels, including Body of Lies (which became a feature film in 2008).

David Ignatius said: “It is an honour to be recognised as the 2016 Telstra Distinguished International Fellow and I am looking forward to strengthening my association with the Lowy Institute, which is recognised for its outstanding research on issues shaping Australia and the world.”

The Lowy Institute is delighted to continue to partner with its corporate member Telstra through the Distinguished International Fellowship. As the 2016 Telstra Distinguished International Fellow, David Ignatius will speak at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne and the National Press Club in Canberra.

Telstra’s Group Executive of Corporate Affairs Tony Warren welcomed David’s appointment and said: “At Telstra we are proud of the contribution we have been able to make to Australian foreign policy debate through our support for the Lowy Institute’s Distinguished International Fellowship. David Ignatius is a very worthy 2016 Telstra Distinguished International Fellow and I look forward to hearing his insights into the important international issues facing Australia.”

Previous Lowy Institute Distinguished International Fellows:

• 2015 – Former Indian Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Shyam Saran
• 2014 – Former US National Security Advisor, Stephen J. Hadley
• 2013 – Former US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, Dr Kurt Campbell