For Immediate Release, March 27, 2014
Contact: Allison Sturma

The U.S. Institute of Peace mourns the passing of Dr. James R. Schlesinger, former CIA director, secretary of defense, and the nation’s first secretary of energy.

A dedicated public servant, Dr. Schlesinger served throughout the Nixon, Ford and Carter administrations. During his service in government and well after, he was a leader on numerous defense and energy issues, leaving a lasting impact on the nuclear policy community in particular.

The Institute had the pleasure of working with Dr. Schlesinger during the 2008-2009 Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States, on which he served as vice-chairman. His deep appreciation of the complex issues involved with what former USIP president Richard Solomon described as the “fundamental war and peace issues” of the 21st century contributed greatly to the nation’s security. We mourn his loss and thank him for his years of service.