Priscilla A. Clapp.

Priscilla A. Clapp.

Once known as “the jewel of Asia,” Myanmar – formerly known as Burma – is transitioning to a democratic form of government after more than 50 years under crushing military rule.

Former U.S. diplomat Priscilla A. Clapp will address the many difficult issues facing Myanmar as it haltingly moves toward democracy and adopts the rule of law during a Forum on the Law program on Tuesday, November 5 at the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center.

Clapp served in the U.S. consulate in Burma for six years; three years as chief of mission. She is currently advising the Asia Society and the United States Institute of Peace’s Rule of Law Center. In addition to her deep understanding of the challenges facing the country, she is well acquainted with the major players, including Myanmar’s opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi. Clapp has made a number of appearances on the PBS News Hour, C-SPAN, CNN, and as an op-ed contributor to The Wall Street Journal Asia Edition.

The program begins on November 5 at 6 p.m. and is open to the public at no charge; however reservations are appreciated to forum@sc.ohio.gov or 614.387.9003 by Friday, November 1.

Forum on the Law was established in 2009 by the late Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer as an ongoing lecture series featuring regional or national speakers who address contemporary or historic legal topics. It is presented by The Ohio State University John Glenn School of Public Affairs, Ohio State Bar Association, Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center Foundation, and Supreme Court of Ohio.

Video of past forum lectures can be viewed online.