Drawing from two decades of involvement in world politics, former Ambassador Joseph Wilson will have much to say about foreign affairs and international relations Wednesday night.

Wilson is the keynote speaker for Cultivating Democracy, this year’s Institute of World Affairs lecture series, which began Oct. 14 with CIA officer Jim Olson and will continue through March 2.

Wilson has been in the news in the past year because his wife, Valerie Plame, was outed as a CIA agent by columnist Robert Novak.

The series of speakers will address questions raised in the aftermath of the war in Iraq, such as whether economic pressures and military intervention can bring democracy to a country and how successful the United States has been in Iraq.

James McCormick, professor and chairman of political science, said international issues are relevant to everyone.

“Particularly during this election season, in which national security is an important part of calculating voting decisions, any information students and others can glean about national security and the role of global affairs is a plus,” he said.

Wilson has been involved in international politics for more than 20 years and has held many senior government positions, including special assistant to the president.

“Several students heard him speak, and we all were impressed with his career and achievements,” said Pat Miller, program manager for the lectures program.

Wilson was responsible for freeing 150 American hostages in Iraq while he was the U.S. ambassador there during Operation Desert Shield.

He has written a book about the Plame case, titled, “The Politics of Truth: Inside the Lies that Led to War and Betrayed My Wife’s CIA Identity: A Diplomat’s Memoir.”

Wilson now manages a consulting firm that specializes in strategic management and international business development and is an adjunct scholar at the Middle East Institute in Washington.

Wilson will speak at 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union.