"Religion, up until now, has largely been neglected as an element of American foreign policy," said a former United States ambassador to South Africa, Liberia and the United Nations Tuesday night in Forum Hall at the K-State Student Union.

Edward Perkins, now a professor at Oklahoma University, said the failure to recognize religion as a tool in foreign policy has led to several diplomatic disadvantages throughout the world.

One of those religions, Perkins said, is Islam. He said U.S. foreign policy has failed to recognize the growth and significance of the religion.

"Islam begs for understanding of its history and for its advances in medicine and education," he said.

Perkins, a student of Sun Tzu's theory of civil diplomatic action, said he had to understand the cultures and religions before he could move anywhere diplomatically. He wrote his autobiography, "Mr. Ambassador: Warrior for Peace," discussing his diplomatic experiences.

Larry Weaver, chair of the Dorothy L. Thompson Lecture Series and professor of physics, said Perkins should be known as the warrior who wins by not fighting.

"Perkins' character is best shown by his service as ambassador to South Africa," Weaver said. "He is one of those individuals that will try to do what's right by persuasion and convincing."

The lecture was part of the Dorothy L. Thompson Civil Rights Lecture Series. According to the K-State Web site, the goal of the series was to recognize Thompson's contributions to the field of human rights on campuses throughout Kansas and the nation.

Approximately 75 people attended, and a question-and-answer period followed.

"The number of questions that he got afterwards, indicates the audience's interest," Weaver said.

The audience asked questions about what students can do about foreign policy and what countries should do about fanatical religions.

"If we want cohesiveness around the world, we individuals need to know about this information," said Suzanne Mayo, graduate teaching assistant in leadership studies. "Religion bonds all of us together."

Perkins insisted changing the foreign policy does not begin with diplomats but with the citizens and their ability to voice opinions and question the government, he said.

"As long as we are in revolution, we'll get better," he said. "But when we stop being revolutionists, we will begin to atrophy."

Perkins also said countries and citizens need to be steadfast and public with their policies toward religion.

Weaver said he was impressed with Perkins in general.

"The talk was fine, but the man is even more impressive."