McLEAN, VA.
When members of the U.S. Senate confirmed Robert R. King's nomination as Ambassador/U.S. Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Issues on Nov. 20, 2009, they knew they were choosing a man respected for his knowledge of international affairs and his championship of human rights. Such expertise and passion have defined his public service career of improving life for others.
But the guests and diplomats who attended his swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Department of State on Dec. 15, might not have known how passionate he is about other endeavors as well.
Originally from Rock Springs, Wyo., and a longtime member of the McLean 2nd Ward of the McLean Virginia Stake, Brother King is also a teacher, historian, author, genealogist, musician, cook, Eagle Scout and returned LDS missionary to the New England States. He and his wife, Kay Atkinson King, have three sons and 10 grandchildren.
At the core of Brother King's many professional and individual accomplishments is his intense interest in history and its relevance to modern-day issues. Fundamentally, he is a creative teacher who helps others understand historical context and perspective.
After receiving a bachelor of arts in political science from Brigham Young University and a Ph.D. in international relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in Boston, Brother King became assistant director of research and analysis for Radio Free Europe in Munich, Germany. For seven years during the Cold War, he helped ensure access to information for millions of Eastern Europeans.
Brother King later became a White House Fellow, serving on the National Security Council Staff during the Carter Administration. But the heart of his career was the 24 years he served as chief of staff to former Congressman Tom Lantos (D-Calif.), an ardent supporter of human rights.
As Brother King helped Congressman Lantos develop a human rights agenda, he traveled to countries around the world and witnessed firsthand the suffering of people denied basic rights and freedoms.
"In the 19th century and even more recently, Latter-day Saints were subject to religious persecution and discrimination, and they were denied religious freedom and other civil rights," Brother King said. "With this history, I think Church members should be leading advocates of human rights throughout the world."
He encourages people to learn more about their government and ways they can protect their civil liberties, to become involved in public service, and to be willing to assume positions of responsibility and leadership.
In his new diplomatic role with the rank of ambassador, Brother King has traveled to Switzerland, South Korea and Japan to discuss U.S. policy on North Korea.
"One of the things that I think is important is that for North Korea to become a member of the community of nations, respect for human rights, observance of human rights norms is part of what is required," he said at a press conference in Geneva, Switzerland, when he participated in the United Nations Human Rights Council debate on the North Korea rights record.
Among Brother King's other contributions to public service are the five books and more than 40 articles he has written on international relations issues.
He has also taught courses in U.S. foreign policy and international relations at various institutions, including the University of Southern California, Brigham Young University, American University and New England College.
In 2008, the Republic of Hungary honored him with the Knight's Cross Order of Merit for his work on behalf of U.S. relations with that country.
This energy and love for learning are hallmarks of Brother King's personal life as well. He has served in the ward bishopric, as a gospel doctrine teacher, and as a district and branch president in Germany. His articles on Mormon history and politics have appeared in various publications.
He is also an enthusiastic genealogist who has written several books and whose articles have appeared in both the New England Historic and Genealogical Register and the Maine Genealogist.
When he takes a break from his writing, Brother King turns to music — he is an accomplished musician who plays the organ. For 17 years he has directed the ward choir and arranged much of its music.
"Being in a choir directed by Brother King is like being part of an original painting," said June Shepherd, a ward member. "He relates the history of each piece to us, which deepens our appreciation for the music."
But the man who can explain the background of Church hymns and includes the glockenspiel in choir arrangements is also the same man who bakes cookies with his grandchildren and collects recipes and lore for a forthcoming book on chocolate chip cookies.
Brother King just never stops, a trait and a view of life that will serve him well as an international advocate for human rights.
