On Monday, June 30, 2025, the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA) has conferred the prestigious title of Doctor Honoris Causa upon Frederick Kempe, President and CEO of the Atlantic Council, one of the most influential think tanks in the United States and a long-standing institutional partner of SNSPA.
The ceremony was held in the presence of Atlantic Council representatives, members of the SNSPA academic community, as well as numerous high-ranking officials, diplomats, and experts in international relations and security.
The event was opened by Prof. Remus Pricopie, PhD, Rector of SNSPA, who emphasized the value of engaging with global leaders in international policy:
“By awarding the title of Doctor Honoris Causa to His Excellency Frederick Kempe, SNSPA honors not only a distinguished leader in international journalism and geopolitical analysis but also a staunch advocate of democratic values and transatlantic cooperation. This distinction reflects our enduring commitment to connect Romanian academia with global debates, relevant strategic initiatives, and international expert communities. Through our partnership with the Atlantic Council, SNSPA actively contributes to the modernization and internationalization of Romanian higher education,” stated Prof. Pricopie.
The laudatio was delivered by Prof. George Cristian Maior, PhD, Romanian Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, former Ambassador to the United States, and SNSPA faculty member. His Excellency highlighted Frederick Kempe’s vital contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership between Romania and the U.S., his role in promoting transatlantic dialogue, and his strategic vision and commitment to democratic values. Prof. Maior stressed the importance of credible voices like Kempe’s in building bridges between nations and shaping a shared vision for security, stability, and international cooperation.
Among the distinguished guests were Luminița Odobescu, Presidential Advisor and former Minister of Foreign Affairs; Prof. Ioan Mircea Pașcu, PhD, former Vice-President of the European Parliament and Minister of Defense; and Alex Șerban, Senior Advisor at the Atlantic Council’s Romania Office. They all spoke to Mr. Kempe’s professional path and notable contributions to international policy and security.
Messages from Prof. Daniel David, PhD, Minister of Education and Research, and H.E. Dan-Andrei Muraru, Romanian Ambassador to the United States, underlined the vital role of thought leaders like Frederick Kempe in reinforcing the transatlantic relationship and emphasized the importance of cooperation between Romanian universities and international centers of excellence such as the Atlantic Council.
Following the awarding of the honorary degree, Frederick Kempe expressed gratitude to the SNSPA Senate and delivered his Lectio Prima, marking his first address as a member of the SNSPA academic community. In his remarks, Kempe tackled pressing issues of international security and shifting geopolitical dynamics. He also introduced the Romanian edition of his acclaimed book “Berlin 1961: Kennedy, Khrushchev, and the Most Dangerous Place on Earth”, a New York Times bestseller launched in Romania on June 27, 2025, at the Romanian Academy.
Since 2007, Frederick Kempe has served as President and CEO of the Atlantic Council, spearheading its transformation into a global actor in international affairs and security. Under his leadership, the organization has experienced unprecedented growth in size, expertise, and global reach.
Prior to joining the Atlantic Council, Frederick Kempe had a distinguished 25-year career at The Wall Street Journal, where he held senior editorial roles and worked as a foreign correspondent. He was the longest-serving editor and associate publisher of The Wall Street Journal Europe, leading editorial operations across Europe and the Middle East. His reporting has covered historic events such as German reunification, the fall of the Soviet Union, and major conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Panama. Kempe is widely regarded as one of the most influential transatlantic voices and is the author of four books, including the internationally acclaimed “Berlin 1961”, translated into 13 languages. For his work, he has been decorated by the presidents of Poland and Germany and by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.
The honorary degree also reflects over two decades of cooperation between SNSPA and the Atlantic Council, marked by joint research initiatives, policy papers, and high-impact events such as the Bucharest Security Conference (BSC) and the Three Seas Initiative Summit in 2018.
This collaboration was further formalized in 2021 with a multi-year partnership agreement aimed at enhancing the strategic relationship between Europe and the United States and improving security and stability in the Black Sea region. In 2022, a task force dedicated to Black Sea security was established, bringing together SNSPA and Atlantic Council experts to develop recommendations on countering hybrid threats and reinforcing regional security alongside NATO allies. In late 2023, the Atlantic Council published the report “A Security Strategy for the Black Sea“, developed in collaboration with SNSPA.
Through such initiatives, SNSPA reaffirms its commitment to supporting democratic values, regional security, and international cooperation. Strategic partnerships—such as the one with the Atlantic Council—remain a top priority in the university’s mission to train future leaders to meet the global challenges of the 21st century.
