CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA. – The reconstruction and stabilization efforts that follow U.S. military involvement overseas and their importance to national security will be discussed Saturday, March 20, at Monticello’s Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies.

The panel discussion, “Stability and Reconstruction – The Jefferson Diplomatic Tradition and Contemporary Security: Lessons Learned from Afghanistan,” is being co-sponsored by the Smith ICJS and the American Academy of Diplomacy.

Panels of experienced diplomats and scholars will discuss the findings of two reports – one on improving cooperation among government agencies, the other on the need for robust diplomacy – in two sessions, beginning at 9 and 11:15 a.m.

Among those scheduled to participate are Ronald E. Neumann, president of the American Academy of Diplomacy and former U.S. ambassador to Algeria, Bahrain, and Afghanistan, and veteran American diplomats Thomas D. Boyatt, James F. Dobbins, and Robert E. Hunter.

The panel discussion will be held at Kenwood, the home of the Smith ICJS, which is located on Route 53 (Thomas Jefferson Parkway) approximately one-half mile east of the entrance to Monticello.

This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. For more information, call (434) 984-7500 or send an e-mail to icjs@monticello.org

The event schedule is available at http://www.academyofdiplomacy.org/programs/2010 Monticello Agenda.html