FDD Welcomes Ambassador Max Kampelman as Distinguished Advisor

Washington, D.C. (December 21, 2007) — Former U.S. Ambassador Max Kampelman has joined the Foundation for Defense of Democracies as a Distinguished Advisor.

“Ambassador Kampelman is one of the legendary figures in American diplomacy,” said FDD President Clifford D. May.  “A self-described Humphrey Democrat who served in senior diplomatic roles under Presidents Carter and Reagan, Amb. Kampelman has been a staunch defender of America’s national security and an unwavering champion of human rights, freedom, and democracy.  We are honored to welcome him to FDD.”

Amb. Kampelman began his career in public service as Legislative Counsel to Senator Hubert H. Humphrey.  He was appointed by President Carter and reappointed by President Reagan as Ambassador to the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe.  From 1985 to 1989 he served as Ambassador and Head of the United States Delegation to the Negotiations with the Soviet Union on Nuclear and Space Arms in Geneva.  His post-government service includes Vice Chairman of the U.S. Institute for Peace and as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the United Nations Foundation.  He currently serves “as counsel” with the law firm Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP.

President Bill Clinton awarded Amb. Kampelman the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the nation. President Ronald Reagan awarded him the Presidential Citizens Medal, which recognizes Americans who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens. Amb. Kampelman has also received the Knight Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. In April 2000, he was among those who received the first Library of Congress’s “Living Legend” award.

Ambassador Kampelman founded and moderated the public affairs program, “Washington Week in Review.”  An educator, he has served on the faculties of the University of Minnesota, Bennington College, Claremont College, the University of Wisconsin and Howard University.

His complete biography can be found here.

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies is a non-profit, non-partisan policy institute dedicated exclusively to promoting pluralism, defending democratic values and fighting the ideologies that drive terrorism.  Founded shortly after the attacks of 9/11, FDD combines policy research, democracy and counterterrorism education, strategic communications and investigative journalism in support of its mission.  For more information, please visit www.defenddemocracy.org.