In the Media

10 years later, Page discusses South Sudan's independence

July 9, 2021 Deep Dish Podcast
Susan Page

Susan D. Page, professor of practice in international diplomacy, recounted South Sudan's journey to independence on the Deep Dish podcast from the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

“On July 9th, it will be the 10th anniversary of south Sudan’s independence from Sudan and still, today, the world’s newest nation," Page said. “The situation changed in 2001. When the Twin Towers fell, the war on terrorism began and Sudan desperately wanted to get off the State Sponsors of Terrorism list. So there was an opportunity that really led to this rejuvenated peace process.”

Page helped laid the groundwork for South Sudan's independence referendum as a legal and political advisor and then served as the first U.S. ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan. 

Ambassador Susan D. Page

Faculty Expert

Susan D. Page

Professor of Practice in International Diplomacy at the University of Michigan's Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, and Professor from Practice at the University of Michigan's Law School. Director; Weiser Diplomacy Center
Page applies her vast foreign policy experience to the Weiser Diplomacy Center. She has served the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the United Nations, and non-governmental organizations in senior roles for decades, across East, Central, and Southern Africa, and in Haiti and Nepal. Page was the first U.S. ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan and served as Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations in Haiti.