Dag Hammarskjold's Biography

A biography of Dag Hammarskjold can be read on the Nobel Prize website. It speaks about the diplomat's family, education, and values. Also, one could find information on how Dag Hammarskjold became interested in diplomacy and what were his achievements as Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Questions over online biography

• How did Dag Hammarskjold's ancestry influence his philosophy of life?
• What elements of his college education would lead someone to say that Hammarskjold was a well-rounded individual (Renaissance man)?
• Summarize Hammarskjold's career experiences from 1930-1953. How did these experiences prepare him to become Secretary-General of the United Nations?
• Dag Hammarskjold stated that he practiced "preventive diplomacy." Give some examples of preventive diplomacy that took place in his first six years as Secretary-General, especially in the Middle East.
• What new procedures and tactics were established at the UN during Hammarskjold's command?
• How do the circumstances of Dag Hammarskjold’s death confirm his desire for "preventive diplomacy"?