Christopher S. Hyland

Christopher S. Hyland is a veteran U.S. diplomatic advisor and interfaith envoy, currently serving as the Special Envoy to North America for the Bektashi Worldwide Headquarters, representing the Bektashi Shia-Sufi Order. Known for his decades-long engagement in Balkan diplomacy, ethnic coalition-building, and religious pluralism, Hyland played a pivotal role in the Clinton administration’s outreach to diaspora communities across the U.S.

He is now advancing spiritual diplomacy and moderate Islamic engagement through the soon-to-be-established Bektashi Microstate in Albania — a Vatican-style initiative aimed at countering sectarian extremism and reinforcing inclusive religious models. Hyland brings to this role a deep understanding of Iranian ideological dynamics, including the geopolitical influence of politicized Shiism and the need for alternative frameworks rooted in tolerance, mysticism, and transnational cooperation. His work directly aligns with broader U.S. and transatlantic foreign policy goals to elevate pluralist Muslim voices and promote inclusive models of religious engagement across diverse Islamic traditions.