Former US Ambassador Frank G. Wisner‘s distinguished diplomatic career spans four decades and eight American presidents. He served as ambassador to Zambia, Egypt, the Philippines, and India. In addition to his role as ambassador to four countries, he served as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and as Under Secretary of State for International Security Affairs, and as senior Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs.

As a decades long member of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), Ambassador Wisner frequently contributes to CFR’s highly regarded programs by sharing his insights and advice gleaned from an extensive career in foreign service. He recently sat down with James M. Lindsay, CFR’s Senior Vice President, Director of Studies, and Maurice R. Greenberg Chair, to discuss the role of diplomacy in confronting today’s global challenges. The conversation was aired on “The President’s Inbox” podcast.

Listen to the podcast here.


Ambassador Wisner serves as International Affairs Advisor on our global Public Policy Team and is based in New York City.