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People
The colleagues, diplomats, friends, and unexpected acquaintances encountered throughout a life in international service.
Author • Diplomat • Archaeologist • Historian
A life between ancient civilizations and modern power
From archaeological excavations in Turkey to four decades of diplomacy across five continents, Ron Ziegler chronicles an extraordinary journey through history, politics, conflict, culture, and the people who shaped his world.
The journey
One life. Five continents. Four decades of history.
Ron Ziegler's life has crossed disciplines, cultures, continents, and generations.
What began with a fascination for archaeology and the civilizations of the past eventually led to a career in diplomacy spanning nearly forty years. Across five continents and twelve countries, he experienced nations at peace, countries under political tension, and societies affected by war.
His story is both deeply personal and remarkably universal.
Ron Ziegler's memoir
From archaeology to world politics
Life and career prospects often begin with a collection of more or less coherent thoughts.
From childhood dreams of becoming a train conductor, pilot, or roving reporter, Ron Ziegler's path took an unexpected turn when he discovered a fascinating book about archaeological discoveries in Biblical lands.
He studied archaeology and art history at Ghent University, continued at Ankara University, and joined the first Belgian archaeological excavation campaign at Pessinus. After compulsory military service in Belgium, another chapter began: diplomacy.
For almost four decades, he represented Belgium around the world.
Beyond the pages
More than a memoir
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Places
From archaeological sites in Turkey to diplomatic assignments across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, the Far East, and the United States.
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Moments
Peaceful assignments, political tensions, war, unexpected encounters, and moments that changed the direction of a life.
About Ron Ziegler
The man behind the journey
Ron Ziegler is an archaeologist, historian, journalist, and diplomat whose career has taken him across five continents and twelve countries. He studied at Ghent University and Ankara University before joining the first Belgian excavation campaign at Pessinus. After military service, almost forty years in the Belgian diplomatic service placed him close to cultures, political tensions, conflict, and international affairs.
Read his full story“The stories related in this book are singular to each country but also universal.”
— Ron Ziegler
Global career
A career without borders
Five continents.
Twelve countries.
Nearly forty years of diplomacy.
AfricaEuropeNear & Middle EastFar EastUnited States
His diplomatic assignments took him through radically different political and cultural environments — from peaceful cooperation to moments marked by political tension and war.
Books
The library of Ron Ziegler
Biography · Memoir · Diplomacy · International Affairs
My Journey: From Archaeology to World Politics
An intimate account of a life shaped by archaeology, diplomacy, conflict, culture, and the people encountered along the way.
Explore book
American Politics · Commentary
Donald J. Trump — Four Toxic Years at the White House
Ron Ziegler's perspective on American politics during the Trump presidency.
Explore bookThe author's perspective
A diplomat's eye. A writer's voice.
Throughout his career, Ron Ziegler has remained a keen observer of people, cultures, institutions, political change, and international affairs. His writing brings together personal experience and historical perspective.
MemoirDiplomacyHistoryWorld politicsInternational affairs
Discover his perspective The story continues
Step into the journey
Discover the experiences, encounters, places, and observations behind a life spent moving between archaeology, diplomacy, history, and world politics.