Government professor Dirk Vandewalle has been named political advisor to United Nations Special Advisor Ian Martin, who is organizing the U.N.'s arrangements for post-conflict Libya, according to a College press release.
Vandewalle will work alongside Martin to aid and advise U.N. departments on drafting proposals for the plans through the end of July. After assisting with the proposals, Vandewalle will provide political expertise to the U.N. team working in Libya, according to the release.
"As an academic specializing in Libya, the chance to be involved in shaping the U.N.'s future involvement in a country that I know so intimately has been a tremendous privilege and quite a challenge," Vandewalle said in the release. "Working at the U.N. and being asked to provide insightful advice, under very tight deadlines, and with literally dozens of people from around the world providing multiple reports has been a logistical feat that requires long hours and a high level of interpersonal skills."
In February, Libyan citizens revolted against the 42-year reign of Moammar Gadhafi. Vandewalle testified on the conflict before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee in April, according to the release. He also authored of "A History of Modern Libya," which was published in 2006.
