Dr. Carter and Ambassador Burns discuss the future of the U.S.-Iran relationship in the Kennedy School Forum.
Photo by Marcus Halevi

Nicholas Burns, former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, speaks on the future of the U.S.-Iran Relationship

Press Release

March 11, 2008

Belfer Center Programs or Projects: Preventive Defense Project

Cambridge, MA -- On Tuesday, March 11, Dr. Ashton B. Carter, Co-Director of the Preventive Defense Project, hosted Ambassador Nicholas Burns for a forum event entitled "Clash with Iran: Inevitable or Avoidable?".

Burns served as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (2005-2008), where he was involved with many of the most controversial issues facing the Bush administration, including Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, India, and the Middle East Peace Process. A career Foreign Service Officer, Burns previously served as U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO (2001-2005), Ambassador to Greece (1997-2001), and State Department Spokesperson (1995-1997).

Ambassador Nicholas Burns (center) with Kennedy School professors Graham Allison (left) and Ashton Carter (right).
Click to view a gallery of photos from the event (Note: opens in new window).
Photo by Marcus Halevi

Drawing from his broad policy experience, Burns first addressed America's responsibilities as a global leader. Identifying global climate change, trafficking in women and children, global drug cartels, international criminal gangs, the spread of pandemic diseases, and the threat of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction as the most critical issues of our time, Burns challenged the United States to lead global efforts to devise multilateral solutions to these problems. He also noted the challenges posed by the rise of China and India, the increased need for energy, and the need for a larger and better-equipped U.S. diplomatic corps.

After discussing America's role in the world, Burns turned to America's relationship with Iran. Burns observed that Iran's growing regional power, pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability, and support for groups that actively oppose America's power and presence in the Middle East all threaten U.S. national security. Although Iran refuses to return to the negotiation table to discuss its nuclear program, Burns insisted that a peaceful, diplomatic solution is still possible, and challenged American leaders to find a creative approach to solving the crisis without resorting to military force. More broadly, Burns also called for new programs and people-to-people exchanges that would improve understanding between the two countries and prevent similar crises from emerging in the future.

Ambassador Burns's official biography is available here.

The Harvard Crimson's coverage of the event is available here.

The Belfer Center's coverage of the event is available here.

Watch video coverage of the event here.

View a gallery of photos from the event here.

For more information about this publication please contact the PDP Associate Director at 617-495-1412.

For Academic Citation:
"Nicholas Burns, former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, speaks on the future of the U.S.-Iran Relationship.", March 11, 2008.