Michael Zimmermann

Michael Zimmermann serves as University Lecturer and Head of the Chair of Diplomacy I at Andrássy University Budapest since the winter semester of 2024/25, leveraging 40 years of diplomatic experience from the Austrian Foreign Service. A retired Ambassador, he maintains strong institutional ties as an Honorary Senator since 2013.

His academic credentials include:

• Dr.iur. from the University of Vienna (1981)
• Diploma from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna (1983)

Professor Zimmermann's scholarly work centers on diplomatic theory and practice, with emphasis on international relations frameworks, foreign policy implementation, historical diplomatic case studies, and Central European geopolitical dynamics. His research integrates field experience from postings in Côte d'Ivoire, Japan, Iran, and dual UK assignments (1999-2004 as Cultural Forum Director; 2018-2023 as Ambassador), offering practitioner insights into multilateral negotiation and cultural diplomacy. The historical dimension of his work examines 20th-century Central European statecraft through the lens of Austria-Hungary's diplomatic legacy and contemporary EU integration challenges.

Administrative leadership includes oversight of the Chair of Diplomacy I curriculum development and serving as Honorary Senator since 2013. His diplomatic career featured pivotal roles as Head of Human Resources at the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs, where he redesigned diplomat recruitment protocols and training frameworks.