The USGLC joins the world in mourning the loss of the incomparable Secretary George Shultz, an exemplar of statesmanship and one of the nation’s most consequential foreign policy leaders. A trusted friend and longtime member of our National Advisory Council, Secretary Shultz was guided by his unwavering belief in America as a force for good in the world and a deep commitment that our nation’s leadership on the world stage was simply in our best interest.

I was incredibly honored to interview Secretary Shultz just weeks before his 100th birthday, as part of the USGLC’s 25th Tribute Celebration in December. Not surprisingly, he spoke of the importance of America’s role in the world. Drawing on the days of President Truman and George Marshall — who recognized that staying engaged in a world in chaos was always in our own interest — he observed, “we’re part of it whether we like it or not.”

Secretary Shultz stood up for our diplomats and for American aid, strongly believing these investments delivered a “big bang for the buck” because “what happens elsewhere has a big impact on us.”

A wise soul, he understood these words ring truer than ever today as the world grapples with a global pandemic — the ultimate reminder that what happens abroad impacts every American family. Defined by the guiding principle that U.S. global engagement shapes our own prosperity and security, Secretary Shultz undoubtedly shaped the course of American and world history for the better and his inspiration will guide us forward.