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 archaeology and art history at Ghent University before continuing his studies at Ankara University. His academic journey included participation in the first Belgian excavation campaign at Pessinus in Turkey.

An unexpected interruption came with compulsory military service in Belgium, followed by a career transition that eventually led him into the Belgian diplomatic service.

For almost forty years, he represented Belgium in Africa, the Near East, the Middle East, the Far East, Europe, and the United States. His assignments exposed him to countries at peace, environments marked by political tension, and regions affected by war.

He remains a keen observer of American politics and has written from the perspective of someone who has witnessed international affairs from close range. He lives with his family in Brussels.