1. Early Life and Education
Marc Evans Knapper spent several formative years of his childhood in Okinawa, Japan, owing to his father's service as a Marine stationed there. This early exposure to East Asian culture likely shaped his future diplomatic focus.
He pursued his higher education at Princeton University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. During his time at Princeton, from 1987 to 1991, he specialized in Japanese politics under the guidance of Professor Kent Calder, graduating with the highest honors. Following his undergraduate studies, Knapper continued his academic journey in Japan, studying international relations at the University of Tokyo graduate school from 1991 to 1993. During this period, he gained practical experience by working at the Liberal Democratic Party's International Bureau and served as a secretary for Shiina Motō, then a member of the House of Councillors in Japan.
Knapper later augmented his education by earning a Master of Arts from the Army War College.
2. Diplomatic Career
Marc Knapper's distinguished career in the Senior Foreign Service involved a series of assignments in various critical regions, especially East Asia. From early postings in Tokyo and Seoul, through senior roles covering East Asian and Pacific Affairs, to serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Korea and Japan, his diplomatic efforts focused on strengthening international relations and addressing complex geopolitical challenges.
2.1. Early Postings
Knapper began his career with the State Department in 1993. One of his early significant assignments was serving as a special assistant to Ambassador Walter Mondale at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, from 1995 to 1997. This role provided him with firsthand experience in high-level diplomatic operations in a key U.S. ally.
From 1997 to 2001, Knapper served as a Second Secretary responsible for political affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea. During this period, he played a crucial role in the preparatory discussions with North Korea in Pyongyang for the historic visit of Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. His work in these sensitive negotiations underscored his early engagement with complex inter-Korean issues. Following his posting in Seoul, from 2001 to 2004, he served as a political-military affairs officer on the China desk within the State Department's Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.
2.2. Roles in East Asia and Pacific Affairs
Knapper's career saw him take on increasingly senior roles within the State Department's Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, demonstrating his deep expertise in the region. From 2004 to 2007, he served as the political affairs counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam, further expanding his understanding of Southeast Asian dynamics. He then returned to Japan, serving as the political section deputy chief at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo from 2007 to 2010.
In August 2010, Knapper was assigned as a counselor for political affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, a challenging posting that broadened his experience beyond East Asia. Upon his return, he held key leadership positions, serving as the Director of the State Department's Office of Japanese Affairs from August 2011 to August 2014. Subsequently, from August 2014 to May 2015, he was the Director of the Office of India Affairs, demonstrating his broad regional and policy scope within the State Department. From August 2015 to July 2018, Knapper served as the Minister-Counselor, effectively the Deputy Chief of Mission, at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea.
2.3. As Deputy Assistant Secretary for Korea and Japan
From August 2018 until July 2021, Knapper served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Korea and Japan, a period marked by significant diplomatic challenges and complex regional dynamics. In this role, he was instrumental in articulating U.S. policy positions on critical bilateral and regional issues.
On July 25, 2019, during a visit to the United States by a South Korean parliamentary delegation, including then-National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun, Knapper met with the representatives. The delegation sought U.S. intervention or mediation regarding Japan's review of its export control regulations, specifically the removal of South Korea from its list of trusted trading partners. Knapper, however, affirmed the U.S. position of non-intervention in the dispute, stating that the United States would not mediate between the two countries.
In a speech delivered at the Heritage Foundation on August 7, 2019, Knapper emphasized the paramount importance of maintaining a productive and constructive relationship between the United States, Japan, and South Korea. He urged both Japan and South Korea to engage in self-reflection regarding the political decisions that had led to the deterioration of their bilateral relations and called upon their respective national leaders to issue calm statements, advocating for de-escalation and diplomatic resolution.
His tenure also involved addressing the intricacies of the Korean Peninsula. On October 8, 2020, during a seminar hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C., Knapper commented on the situation on the Korean Peninsula, stating that "inter-Korean relations and denuclearization are inseparable." This statement subtly highlighted a difference in approach compared to remarks made by South Korean President Moon Jae-in the day prior, who had requested U.S. cooperation for a declaration to end the Korean War without explicitly linking it to denuclearization, underscoring the nuanced positions held by the U.S. and South Korea on the pathway to peace and denuclearization.
3. United States Ambassador to Vietnam
On April 15, 2021, President Joe Biden officially nominated Marc Knapper to serve as the next United States Ambassador to Vietnam. His nomination was subsequently sent to the Senate on April 19, 2021. Hearings concerning his nomination were conducted before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on July 13, 2021. The committee favorably reported his nomination to the full Senate on August 4, 2021, leading to his confirmation by voice vote in the Senate on December 18, 2021. Knapper officially took the oath of office on January 3, 2022.
He arrived in Vietnam on January 27, 2022, and formally presented his credentials to President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc on February 11, marking the official commencement of his duties as Ambassador.
Since assuming his role as U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, Marc Knapper has played a pivotal role in significantly strengthening U.S.-Vietnam relations. A major achievement during his tenure was the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023. This milestone has opened avenues for deeper collaboration across numerous sectors, directly bolstering American interests in the region. Knapper has actively worked to fortify high-tech supply chains by fostering crucial partnerships between U.S. universities, such as Arizona State University, and leading Vietnamese institutions, aiming to integrate Vietnam more deeply into the global technology ecosystem.
Furthermore, he has advanced U.S. security objectives by promoting enhanced defense cooperation between the two nations. This includes facilitating the transfer of training aircraft to Vietnam and creating opportunities for American defense manufacturers to support Vietnam's ongoing military modernization efforts. In the realm of economic cooperation, his initiatives in renewable energy negotiations have successfully attracted investments that benefit U.S. businesses, thereby contributing to the broader American prosperity. These comprehensive efforts underscore his commitment to advancing American strategic interests and promoting stability across the Indo-Pacific.
4. Awards and Recognition
Throughout his distinguished diplomatic career, Marc Knapper has received numerous awards and commendations, recognizing his exceptional service and contributions. His notable accolades include the Secretary of State's Distinguished Service Award, one of the highest honors conferred by the Secretary of State, acknowledging extraordinary service to the department. He was also awarded the State Department's Linguist of the Year Award, a testament to his impressive proficiency in multiple foreign languages essential for his diplomatic work. Additionally, Knapper is a recipient of a Presidential Rank Award, a prestigious honor bestowed upon career members of the Senior Executive Service for sustained excellence in public service.
5. Personal Life
Marc Knapper is married to Suzuko. They have a son named Alexander. Reflecting his extensive international career and deep engagement with East Asian cultures, Knapper is notably proficient in several languages, including Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese.