David Allen Schlaefer

David Allen Schlaefer is an American diplomat and author, currently serving as Deputy Consul General at the U.S. Mission in Hong Kong. He is known for his expertise in counterterrorism and political-military affairs and has held several notable roles, including Senior Assistance Coordinator at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv during Russia’s 2022 invasion. Schlaefer is also the author of the Far Northern Land Saga, a fantasy trilogy inspired by Finnish folklore.^[1]

Early life and education[edit]

Schlaefer attended Baylor University and the University of Texas. In the 1990s, he taught at Hong Kong Baptist College. Later, he studied Finnish at the Foreign Service Institute in Arlington, Virginia. His exposure to Finnish culture and folklore during this period sparked his interest in Finnish mythology.

Foreign Service Career[edit]

Schlaefer has had a brief career in foreign service spanning multiple roles in diplomacy and security. He served as Deputy Special Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and as Deputy Coordinator for Counterterrorism in Washington, D.C. Previously, he was Director for Political-Military Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, contributing to the U.S.-Japan Defense Guidelines negotiations. He has lived and worked across Bucharest, Helsinki, Matamoros, and Rio de Janeiro, with Asia-Pacific assignments in Washington, D.C.^[2]

In June 2022, Schlaefer was instrumental in reopening the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, following Russia’s invasion, where he served as Acting Deputy Chief of Mission.

Authorship[edit]

Schlaefer is the author of the Far Northern Land Saga, a trilogy based on Finnish mythology. The series, comprising The Mark of the Bear Clan, The Heir of Lemminkainen, and The Queen of Pohjola, weaves original characters with Finnish folklore, drawing inspiration from the Kalevala. The trilogy explores heroism and sacrifice in Iron Age Finland.

Personal Life[edit]

Schlaefer resides in Hong Kong with his wife, Raluca, a professional interpreter and translator, and their two children.

References[edit]

External links[edit]

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