In Look Back, a prominent policymaker, historian, or participant reflects upon a major event or phenomenon in recent history, drawing on both their expertise and their first-hand experience. With articles that have addressed such important issues such as reforming the US intelligence sector or dealing with the aftermath of genocide, this section looks back in order to look forward and make sound recommendations for dealing with current international policy dilemmas.

Armitage on Iraq:
Applying History’s Lessons

Interview with Richard L. Armitage

On 11 October 2005, the Georgetown Journal of International Affairs met with former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage to reflect on the war in Iraq and other aspects of current U.S. foreign policy. Mr. Armitage served as Deputy Secretary of State from March 2001 to February 2005. Prior to his time at the Department of State, Mr. Armitage served in various capacities at the Department of Defense, the White House, and in several appointed positions, including Presidential Special Negotiator for the Philippines Military Bases Agreement and Special Mediator for Water in the Middle East. Mr. Armitage graduated in 1967 from the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. He completed three combat tours with the riverine/advisory forces in Vietnam. He is currently president of Armitage International, a consulting firm that focuses on international business development and strategic planning.

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