The LOC.GOV Wise Guide : (Al)bright Ideas

The president-elect faces daunting tasks in shaping and maintaining America’s core relationships with other nations around the world. In her book “Memo to the President Elect: How We Can Restore America’s Reputation and Leadership” (2008), Madeleine Albright, United States secretary of state from 1997 to 2001, offers guidance for the succeeding occupants of the White House.

“Memo to the President Elect: How We Can Restore America’s Reputation and Leadership.” 2008

Henry Alfred Kissinger. Photo by Vivian Ronay. 2001

Much more than a set of policy prescriptions, Albright’s writing blends lessons from the past with forward-looking suggestions about how to assemble a first-rate foreign policy team, anticipate the actions of other key countries, make full use of presidential power and revive America’s commitment to its founding ideals. Drawing on her extensive experience as an advisor to two presidents and a key figure in four presidential transitions, she provides an insider’s analysis of U.S. options in addressing the decisive issues of our era.

Albright discussed her book in a program sponsored by the Library’s Center for the Book. Her remarks were also covered in an article in the June 2008 issue of the Library of Congress Information Bulletin.

Albright isn’t the only secretary of state to speak at the Library. The institution has played host to many distinguished in statecraft. James Baker, secretary of state from 1989 to 1992, presented a lecture on foreign policy and international relations in 2007. In 2004, George Shultz, secretary of state from 1982 to 1989, also delivered a lecture at the Library. Both programs were part of the Library’s Kissinger Lecture series, established in 2000 as part of the Henry Alfred Kissinger Chair in Foreign Policy and International Relations at the Library’s John W. Kluge Center.

A. “Memo to the President Elect: How We Can Restore America’s Reputation and Leadership.” 2008. Reproduction Information: Not available for reproduction.

B. Henry Alfred Kissinger. Photo by Vivian Ronay. 2001. Reproduction Information: Not available for reproduction.