Krach Institute Holds Freedom Lecture at Purdue

The Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue held its first Freedom Lecture & Purdue Distinguished Ambassador lecture on October 19, 2023, in the Purdue Memorial Union.  Keith Krach ’79, former U.S. Under Secretary of State, led the discussion with U.S. Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathan Fick.

Keith Krach ’79, Chairman of the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy (left) and Nathan Fick, U.S. Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy.

Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy

Led by Fick the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP) promotes U.S. national and economic security by leading, coordinating, and elevating foreign policy on cyberspace and digital technologies. It builds partnerships to shape the international environment so Americans and people everywhere can prosper. CDP strives for a world in which every person can access the opportunities that come with digital connectivity to build thriving economies and societies and works to counter challenges to this vision from authoritarian states.

Addressing Worldwide Cyber Security Threats

In the hour long dialogue Keith posed questions to Ambassador Fick on a wide range of topics focusing on worldwide cyber threats from China, Russia, and others.  They also discussed how emerging technologies are addressing national security concerns.  Several Sigs from the Lafayette area were able to attend and following the presentation catch up briefly with Keith.  Keith was very appreciative that he had several Sigs in the audience.

Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy

Since its founding in 2021, The Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue has become the world’s preeminent institution focused on Tech Statecraft, a new model of diplomacy that bridges the high-tech sector with the foreign policy and national security sectors to ensure trusted technology is used to advance freedom.​

Delta Delta brothers attending the Krach Institute Freedom Lecture held at Purdue. (L-R) Nate Gustus ’05, Butch Brose ’09, Marc Carlson ’82, Keith Krach ’79, Phil Steele ’77 and Jim MacDonald ’80.

As the preeminent global authority for advancing freedom ​through tech diplomacy, the Krach Institute promotes a 21st century where democratic principles and trusted technologies are adopted universally.

Comments from Sigs in Attendance

A couple of the Sigs in attendance remarked just how interesting the discussion had been and how fortunate we were to have such forward-thinking and dedicated individuals like Keith and Ambassador Fick leading our country in such important areas.

Other Sigs, Marc Carlson ’82 and Brad McKinney ’06, are also part of the Krach Institute and working with Keith to promote the initiatives of their organization.