William J. Burns

About the Author

William J. Burns is a distinguished diplomat and author whose career has spanned decades of high-stakes international service. As a former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and Jordan, and Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Burns has been at the forefront of American foreign policy, navigating complex global challenges from the Cold War's end to contemporary geopolitical tensions. In his acclaimed memoir, The Back Channel: A Memoir of American Diplomacy and the Case for Its Renewal, he offers an insider's perspective on the art of diplomacy, drawing on personal experiences to advocate for its vital role in a fractured world. A graduate of La Salle University and Oxford University, Burns combines rigorous analysis with eloquent storytelling, making the intricacies of international relations accessible and compelling for readers interested in the forces shaping our global future.