Robert D. Blackwill
International Council Member, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
Member of the Board, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
Experience
Robert D. Blackwill is the Henry A. Kissinger senior fellow for U.S. foreign policy at the Council on Foreign Relations. As deputy assistant to the president and deputy national security adviser for strategic planning under President George W. Bush, Ambassador Blackwill was responsible for government-wide policy planning to help develop and coordinate the mid- and long-term direction of American foreign policy. He served as presidential envoy to Iraq and was the administration’s coordinator for U.S. policies regarding Afghanistan and Iran. Ambassador Blackwill went to the National Security Council (NSC) after serving as the U.S. ambassador to India from 2001 to 2003, and is the recipient of the 2007 Bridge-Builder Award for his role in transforming U.S.-India relations. Prior to reentering government in 2001, he was the Belfer lecturer in international security at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. From 1989 to 1990, Ambassador Blackwill was special assistant to President George H.W. Bush for European and Soviet affairs, during which time he was awarded Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit by the Federal Republic of Germany for his contribution to German unification. Earlier in his career, he was the U.S. ambassador to conventional arms negotiations with the Warsaw Pact, director for European affairs at the NSC, principal deputy assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, and principal deputy assistant secretary of state for European affairs. The author and editor of many articles and books on transatlantic relations, Russia and the West, the Greater Middle East, and Asian security, the ambassador is on the council of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a member of the Trilateral Commission and the Aspen Strategy Group, and on the board of Harvard University’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.
(AP Photo/RIA-Novosti,
Dmitry Astakhov,
Presidential Press Service)
October 30, 2011
"10 Reasons Why Russia Still Matters"
Op-Ed, Politico
By Graham Allison, Director, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs; Douglas Dillon Professor of Government; Faculty Chair, Dubai Initiative, Harvard Kennedy School and Robert D. Blackwill, International Council Member, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
Russia is still a player whose choices affect our vital interests in nuclear security and energy writes Graham Allison and Robert D. Blackwill
October 2011
Russia and U.S. National Interests: Why Should Americans Care?
Report
By Graham Allison, Director, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs; Douglas Dillon Professor of Government; Faculty Chair, Dubai Initiative, Harvard Kennedy School, Robert D. Blackwill, International Council Member, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Dimitri K. Simes and Paul J. Saunders
"Two decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union and Russia’s emergence as an independent state, Moscow is no longer America’s strategic rival. Yet, while Russia is not our enemy, neither has it become a friend. Washington and Moscow have succeeded in overcoming Cold War confrontation, but have not developed sustainable cooperative relations. A better-managed bilateral relationship is critical for the advancement of America’s vital national interests."
July 7, 2010
"A De Facto Partition for Afghanistan"
Op-Ed, Politico
By Robert D. Blackwill, International Council Member, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
The Obama administration's counterinsurgency strategy in Afghanistan seems headed for failurewrites Ambassador Robert Blackwill. Given the alternatives, de facto partition of Afghanistan is the best policy option available to the United States and its allies, he believes.
June 22 - July 1, 2008
Report of the Strategic Security Issues Delegation to Taiwan and the People's Republic of China (PRC)
Report
By Dr. William J. Perry, Former Co-Director, Preventive Defense Project, Admiral (ret.) Joseph W. Prueher, Former Senior Advisor, Preventive Defense Project, Robert D. Blackwill, International Council Member, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Ashton B. Carter, Former Co-Director, Preventive Defense Project, Harvard & Stanford Universities, Stephen A. Orlins, Dr. David M. Lampton, Kurt M. Campbell, Former Associate Professor of Public Policy and International Relations, 1988-1993, Harvard Kennedy School; Former Assistant Director, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, 1988-1993; and Former Research Fellow, ISP, 1985-1987, Dr. Ashley Tellis, Dr. Evan Medeiros and Jan Berris
Full text of the trip report from PDP's Track II meetings in Taiwan and the People's Republic of China (PRC).
December 12, 2007
"Forgive Russia, Confront Iran"
Op-Ed, Wall Street Journal
By Robert D. Blackwill, International Council Member, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
Ambassador Robert D. Blackwill argues that even though there has been a systemic decline in Russia's relations with the West, the US and other Western powers should forgive their offenses in order to develop sound policy for what should be the West's highest priority- ensuring Iran does not gain possession of nuclear weapons.
June 1, 2006
Jaw-Jaw Before War-War?
Op-Ed, Wall Street Journal
By Robert D. Blackwill, International Council Member, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
February 27, 2006
Forging Fresh Bonds
Op-Ed, India Times
By Robert D. Blackwill, International Council Member, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
July 22, 2005
Diplomacy Is Back at the State Department!
Op-Ed, Wall Street Journal
By Robert D. Blackwill, International Council Member, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
Summer 2005
The India Imperative
Journal Article, National Interest, issue 80
By Robert D. Blackwill, International Council Member, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
March 21, 2005
A New Deal for New Delhi
Op-Ed, Wall Street Journal
By Robert D. Blackwill, International Council Member, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
