In Memoriam: Max M. Kampelman

It is with deep sadness that The Washington Institute mourns the passing of Dr. Max Kampelman, a dear friend of the Institute and longtime member of our Board of Advisors. He was 92 years old.

A giant of global affairs, Max transcended partisan politics to advance American interests and make the world safer and more humane. During negotiations with Soviet leaders in the 1980s, Max secured the release of religious and political dissidents from the USSR and reduced the two nations’ inventory of nuclear weapons.

Max was a true scholar-statesman who held a law degree as well as a doctorate in political science. He began his public service career under a Democrat, Hubert Humphrey, and achieved his greatest accomplishments under a Republican, Ronald Reagan, serving as ambassador to the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, head of the U.S. Delegation to negotiations with the Soviet Union on Nuclear and Space Arms,  and as Counselor to the Department of State.  Appropriately, he received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Reagan in 1989 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Bill Clinton in 1999.

The Institute has lost a leader and the world has lost a source of wisdom and inspiration. We extend our deepest condolences to Max's family, friends and many admirers.