The Paul C. Warnke Lecture in International Security

This endowed lecture series was established in 2002 and is dedicated to the memory of Paul C. Warnke, former member and director of CFR. The series commemorates his legacy of public service and honors his service to CFR.

Paul Warnke is best known for serving as the chief U.S. negotiator for the 1978 Strategic Arms Limitation Talks. He was one of the first government figures to strongly support arms reductions as a way to improve security, an idea, radical at the time, which gradually gained currency. He also played a pivotal role in bringing about the Vietnam peace negotiations. The Warnke Lecture honors his ideals, courage, and intellect, as well as his belief that U.S. power brings with it a special responsibility in world affairs.