2008 JAMES A. VAN FLEET AWARD

DON OBERDORFER
Chairman
U.S.–Korea Institute
School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)
Johns Hopkins University

CITATION

 

Over a distinguished career in journalism spanning nearly four decades, including a quarter century as a White House correspondent, Northeast Asia correspondent, and diplomatic correspondent for the Washington Post, Don Oberdorfer has established an unparalleled reputation as one of the leading American experts on Korea.

Don Oberdorfer is universally acclaimed for his thoughtful, thorough, and meticulous analysis of the diplomatic and strategic issues defining the relationship between the United States and the Korean peninsula, with a particular focus on the tensions and dramatic changes of the last quarter-century. His highly praised book, The Two Koreas: A Contemporary History, offers a lucid, balanced, and dramatic account of the major developments on both sides of the armistice line. This magisterial work is a model of the indispensable guidance Don Oberdorfer has provided to American policy makers and the general public alike. It has become the standard by which other contemporary histories of Korea will be judged.

Few Americans have done more than Don Oberdorfer to raise awareness of developments on the Korean peninsula or to deepen the knowledge and understanding of the background and context of U.S. Korea relations. These contributions testify eloquently to his unswerving, lifelong commitment to honest and independent inquiry. As the first journalist selected for this recognition, it is my great pleasure and honor to welcome Don Oberdorfer to the ranks of the distinguished recipients of the James A. Van Fleet Award.