The legacy of Brent Scowcroft, one of the most respected national security advisors in American history, was recognized at a recent conference hosted by the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs at the Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University. Scholars, diplomats, and national figures, including President and Mrs. George H. W. Bush, attended the conference, which was held at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center neighboring the Bush School.
“As I unfortunately cannot be with you, I trust you will take the opportunity to tell the truth about me, warts and all,” Scowcroft wrote in a prepared statement. “In any case, it would be awkward for me to be at a conference focused on my life’s work in the American foreign policy arena.”
Among the former ambassadors to speak at the event was Ambassador Ryan Crocker, dean of the Bush School, who served as US ambassador to six countries under four different US presidents. The event also included remarks from Dr. Andrew Natsios, director of the Scowcroft Institute and executive professor; Dr. Stephen Hadley, former national security advisor under President George W. Bush; and Ambassador Tom Pickering, former undersecretary of State and ambassador to the United Nations during the administration of President George H.W. Bush. Following each speaker, there was a twenty-minute question and answer session, when attendees were able to ask experts a wide range of questions.
Lieutenant General Brent Scowcroft, USAF (Ret.) served as national security advisor to Presidents Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush. He also served as military assistant to President Nixon and as deputy assistant to the president for national security affairs under Presidents Ford and Nixon. He currently serves as president of the Scowcroft Group, a premiere international business advisory firm, in addition to his service on the President’s General Advisory Committee on Arms Control, the President’s Commission on Strategic Forces, the President’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Defense Management, and the President’s Special Review Board.
Ryan Crocker, dean of the Bush School, told Bryan/College Station’s The Eagle that the conference will help attendees gain a better understanding of the enormous influence Brent Scowcroft has had on American foreign policy.
“Brent Scowcroft’s legacy is yet to be fully understood and written, but our proceedings have contributed greatly to crystallizing and understanding the immensity of that legacy,” said Crocker.
