In Pursuit of Peace: The Life and Legacy of Barry Blechman

With over 50 years of distinguished service in government and the private sector, Barry Blechman was an expert on nuclear policy, the defense budget, and the role of the armed forces in supporting the nation’s foreign policy. He advocated for and helped implement measures to reduce the risk of nuclear war, eventually leading the the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency during the Carter administration.“A brilliant, energetic, and kind man with a tenacious commitment to achieving American security while honoring its values,” former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice recalled about Blechman, her colleague and friend. As co-founder of the Stimson Center, Blechman created a platform for pragmatic, nonpartisan solutions to urgent global issues. He also served as chairman of Stimson’s Board from 1989 to 2007 and returned to the Board in 2014. Blechman’s leadership advanced the work of many defense and nuclear experts at the Stimson Center and far beyond, and his legacy will continue to inform research and policy in these critical areas.