Michael Allen Lake
Michael Allen Lake is an author, researcher, and change management consultant specializing in digital transformation and strategic communications. Based out of Washington, DC, Michael has worked on pathfinder efforts for the acceptance of cloud computing and artificial intelligence for the Department of Defense, supported the development of the Center for Analytics (the State Department’s first enterprise-wide data integration initiative), worked on capacity building initiatives for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and worked at the U.S. Embassy in Mongolia.
Lake continues to research and write on the history of diplomatic relations between the United States and Mongolia. His work has included multiple conference presentations, papers, and articles. He co-authored a chapter in the book Socialist and Post-Socialist Mongolia published by Routledge in 2021.
Through their research, translations, and publications, Michael and his writing partner Joe are endeavouring to build a solid foundation of research for future scholars of the history of U.S.-Mongolian relations.
Ambassador (ret) Joseph E. Lake
Joseph E. Lake was the first U.S. Ambassador resident in Ulaanbaatar (1990 to 1993) as Mongolia began its successful transition from the second oldest Marxist-Leninist country to the thriving country it is today. He worked closely with Mongolia during this challenging period as Soviet economic assistance ended, the Soviet Union collapsed, and Mongolia built new ties around the world. He was also the first President of the American Center for Mongolian Studies (2005 to 2009).
A career diplomat for 35 years, Lake served 10 years in East Asia, six years in West Africa and five years in the Balkans as well as Washington and NewYork. He served as the second U.S. Ambassador to Albania, on the United States Delegation to the United Nations, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and Director of the Operations Center in the Office of the Secretary of State. He retired in 1997 and returned following 9/11 to work part time on management and communications issues.
Since 2018 he and Michael have worked to build a foundation for future scholars on the history of U.S. Mongolian relations through research, translation and publications.
For a selection of video clips of Michael’s interviews and speeches please click here.
A copy of MAL’s Research and Academic CV may be found here.