Brent Scowcroft, an Ogden native, died Aug. 6 of natural causes at age 95. America has lost a statesman from Utah.
He was a West Point graduate who had envisioned a career as a fighter pilot until his plane experienced engine trouble and crashed. Scowcroft survived his injuries, but the crash moved him to make a career shift.
Scowcroft transitioned to become an Air Force general, earn a doctorate in international relations from Columbia University, serve in numerous military positions and emerge as a respected strategic thinker. He became a foreign policy realist. He would be the only person ever to serve as national security adviser to two presidents — Gerald Ford (1975-76) and George H.W. Bush (1989-1993).
In 1991, Scowcroft worked closely with Bush during the Persian Gulf War to build a 32-nation coalition to defeat Iraq’s Saddam Hussein, whose forces had invaded Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Later that year, he was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the nation’s highest civilian honor.
As national security adviser throughout the presidency of George H.W. Bush, Scowcroft was the trusted aide who helped the president negotiate an end to America’s longest and most expensive war — the 1945-1991 Cold War of 46 years with the Soviet Union. This was achieved peacefully, quietly, in a nonthreatening matter.
(Growing up as a “duck and cover” kid expecting nuclear war, I was — and still am — personally amazed at this historic accomplishment.)
Scowcroft was concise in his explanations, precise in his analysis, respectful in his manner and trusted by presidents and members of Congress as well as many others throughout the world who sought his guidance. In private life, he was president of the Scowcroft Group and served on many boards and commissions.
Past American diplomats have honored him with these words.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice: “Brent Scowcroft was the very definition of a public servant — a man of integrity, grace, love of country, and humility. He was the standard for every national security adviser and a role model for so many others who sought to serve our country.”
Secretary of State Madeleine Albright: “Brent Scowcroft served the country he loved with dedication and distinction. He was a brilliant thinker, a model national security adviser.”
Secretary of State John Kerry: “Brent Scowcroft was a giant — a principled person who had no use for partisanship. Classy, brilliant, and brave. His judgment was impeccable, his insights incomparable.”
National security adviser Susan Rice: "Brent Scowcroft was kind, wise, generous, and brilliant. The gold standard for national security advisers, a valued mentor and peerless public servant.”
I knew Scowcroft to be a thoughtful, soft-spoken perceptive man who met with my University of Utah Hinckley Institute of Politics students each year for over 20 years. He was candid and brilliant, respectful and gracious. I always took notes. And I had the opportunity to meet with him one-on-one, and I treasured that time.
Years ago I remember one of my students asking Scowcroft: “Dr. Chambless believes you have the best job in the federal government — advising the president on national security concerns every day. Do you agree?”
I remember him smiling, glancing quickly at me, and then saying: “I agree with Dr. Chambless.”
Scowcroft identified more with the Republican Party until in 2002, when his commentary in The Wall Street Journal titled “Don’t Attack Saddam” warned against a unilateral invasion of Iraq by President George W. Bush. Why? Because a military attack lacking a supportive coalition of nations and lacking documented evidence of weapons of mass destruction was extremely unwise. Subsequently, discreetly, Scowcroft was supportive of Democratic presidential candidates.
This has been a year of extreme turmoil for our nation. The past four years have seen many leadership failures. At this time, let us remember Brent Scowcroft — a good and decent man who combined his brilliant intelligence and great diplomatic manner to serve this nation well for over a half-century.
Tim Chambless
Tim Chambless is associate professor/adjunct for the University of Utah’s Department of Political Science and teaches current issues for the university’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.