WSB EXCLUSIVE SPEAKER
The Honorable James A. Baker, III, 61st U.S. Secretary of State
The dean of American statesmen, James Baker offers the insight and perspective of a man who has stood at the epicenter of domestic and international affairs.
As secretary of state, James Baker stood at the center of an international revolution that saw the fall of the Iron Curtain, led the expulsion of Iraq from Kuwait and peace efforts in the Middle East. He provides incomparable insight into today’s headline-making global and domestic issues. As secretary of the treasury and White House chief of staff to President Reagan, Baker oversaw one of the longest peacetime economic expansions in history. He brings that experience to bear on world economics, offering his audiences an understanding of the complexities of the global economy and the delicate issues that must be addressed by businesses and governments. Named special presidential envoy to Iraq tasked with handling and restructuring Iraqi debt, Baker possesses firsthand knowledge of the Iraqi political, economic and infrastructure challenges. Baker has counseled and dealt with some of the most prominent leaders on the world stage as they handled both crisis and conflict. He shares his understanding of leadership with audiences, underscoring the necessary qualities that make leaders effective.
Mr. Baker served as secretary of state as the Soviet Union collapsed and the Cold War ended, leaving the United States in a uniquely preeminent position – diplomatically, militarily and economically. Now, he says, terrorism and the development and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction have summoned the United States to a new and more difficult kind of leadership, both for our nation's own protection and to preserve peace and stability around the world. Mr. Baker reviews these and other global challenges, such as turmoil in Ukraine and the Middle East, North Korea's nuclear challenge, the need to integrate China into the international system, and the continuing battle for free trade and investment.
Wearing his hat as a former secretary of the treasury, Baker provides valuable insights on the current economic situation. Baker is an advocate for low taxes, restrained federal spending, deregulation, sound money and other policies that sparked two decades of economic growth and worldwide economic liberalization. He offers his perspective on which steps should be taken to ensure the economy is headed in the right direction and the financial markets thrive.
Using examples from history and from his own experiences in politics and public service, Mr. Baker offers unique insights into what it takes to be an effective leader.
On special request, Mr. Baker is also willing to speak about a number of other issues, including religious faith, corporate governance and ethics, personal responsibility, the need to restore civility to public life and the American constitutional principles that produced our nation's power and prosperity.
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