Headshot of Scot Marciel

Scot Marciel

  • Oksenberg-Rohlen Fellow

Biography

Scot Marciel is Oksenberg-Rohlen Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, affiliated with the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center. Previously, he was a 2020-22 Visiting Scholar and Visiting Practitioner Fellow on Southeast Asia at APARC.  A retired diplomat, Mr. Marciel served as U.S. Ambassador to Myanmar from March 2016 through May 2020, leading a mission of 500 employees during the difficult Rohingya crisis and a challenging time for both Myanmar’s democratic transition and the United States-Myanmar relationship.  Prior to serving in Myanmar, Ambassador Marciel served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asia and the Pacific at the State Department, where he oversaw U.S. relations with Southeast Asia.

From 2010 to 2013, Scot Marciel served as U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country.  He led a mission of some 1000 employees, expanding business ties, launching a new U.S.-Indonesia partnership, and rebuilding U.S.-Indonesian military-military relations.  Prior to that, he served concurrently as the first U.S. Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Southeast Asia from 2007 to 2010.

Mr. Marciel is a career diplomat with 35 years of experience in Asia and around the world.  In addition to the assignments noted above, he has served at U.S. missions in Turkey, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Brazil and the Philippines.  At the State Department in Washington, he served as Director of the Office of Maritime Southeast Asia, Director of the Office of Mainland Southeast Asia, and Director of the Office of Southern European Affairs.  He also was Deputy Director of the Office of Monetary Affairs in the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs.

Mr. Marciel earned an MA from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and a BA in International Relations from the University of California at Davis.  He was born and raised in Fremont, California, and is married with two children.

publications

Journal Articles
July 2023

The Twin Challenges Facing Myanmar and How the World Can Help

Author(s)
cover link The Twin Challenges Facing Myanmar and How the World Can Help
Books
March 2023

Imperfect Partners

Author(s)
cover link Imperfect Partners

In The News

U.S. President Joe Biden talks with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin as they and other World leaders arrive for a "family photo" during the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Week.
Commentary

Navigating New Realities: The Future of U.S.–Thai Relations

While a return to the U.S.-Thailand alliance's heyday may seem improbable, patience, persistence, and an acknowledgment of new geopolitical realities can pave the way for a more productive relationship between Washington and Bangkok.
cover link Navigating New Realities: The Future of U.S.–Thai Relations
World leaders sit around a table during the APEC 2023 summit in San Francisco.
News

APEC Summit Dominated by U.S.-China Relations, Policy Challenges

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, which concluded the 2023 APEC host year for the United States, included a highly-anticipated meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Shorenstein APARC scholars weigh in on the significance of the meeting in the context of China’s geopolitical ambitions, the outcomes of the APEC summit, and other topics.
cover link APEC Summit Dominated by U.S.-China Relations, Policy Challenges
Myanmar nationals hold a sign that reads "Save Myanmar" in front of the United Nations on March 04, 2021 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Q&As

Q&A: Former US Diplomat Sees ‘Troubling Divisions’ in Southeast Asia

Scot Marciel says Washington should focus on engaging with the region rather than trying to counter Chinese influence.
cover link Q&A: Former US Diplomat Sees ‘Troubling Divisions’ in Southeast Asia