Richard Perle

Richard Perle
Name	Richard Perle
Birth date	September 16, 1941
Birth place	New York City, New York, U.S.
Alma mater	University of Southern California (BA), Princeton University (MA)
Occupation	Political advisor, writer
Known for	Foreign policy advocacy, Project for the New American Century, Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee
Spouse	Leslie Joan Barr (m. 1964; div. 1980), Pamela B. Perle (m. 1985)

Richard Perle is an American political advisor and author known for his influential role in shaping U.S. national security policy over several decades. A prominent neoconservative figure, he held significant positions within the Department of Defense and served as an architect of key foreign policy initiatives. His advocacy for a robust American military posture and his support for the 2003 invasion of Iraq made him a central, though often controversial, voice in debates over American foreign policy.

Early life and education

Born in New York City, he spent part of his youth in Los Angeles. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California, graduating with a degree in international relations. He then pursued a master's degree in politics at Princeton University, where he studied under the noted strategist and professor Albert Wohlstetter. This academic foundation, particularly Wohlstetter's influence regarding nuclear strategy and Soviet capabilities, profoundly shaped his future worldview and policy approach.

Government career

His government service began in 1969 on the staff of Senator Henry M. Jackson, a Democrat known for his hardline stance against the Soviet Union. In 1981, he was appointed Assistant Secretary of Defense for Global Strategic Affairs under the Reagan administration, where he played a key role in developing the Strategic Defense Initiative. He later served as a member and, for a time, chairman of the influential Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee during the presidencies of George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush, offering counsel on high-level defense and intelligence matters.

Post-government activities

After leaving full-time government service, he became a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a prominent Washington, D.C. think tank. He co-founded and chaired Trireme Partners, a venture capital firm focused on homeland security and defense technology investments. As an author, he co-wrote books such as An End to Evil with David Frum, outlining a confrontational foreign policy agenda. He remained a frequent commentator in media outlets like the Wall Street Journal and on networks such as Fox News.

Political views and policy positions

A leading intellectual force within the neoconservative movement, he was a strong advocate for American unilateralism and military supremacy. He was a founding signatory of the Project for the New American Century, which advocated for increased defense spending and regime change in Iraq. He consistently viewed regimes in Iran and North Korea as grave threats, supporting preemptive action. His philosophy emphasized the moral imperative of promoting democracy, often through forceful means, and he was deeply skeptical of arms control agreements and the United Nations.

Controversies and criticism

His tenure was marked by several significant controversies. He faced allegations of conflict of interest regarding his business dealings with firms like Global Crossing while serving on the Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee. His vigorous advocacy for the 2003 invasion of Iraq, based on intelligence about weapons of mass destruction that proved faulty, drew intense criticism from figures like Seymour Hersh and led to his being labeled "The Prince of Darkness" by detractors. Investigations by the Senate Armed Services Committee and scrutiny from the Securities and Exchange Commission further fueled debates over his conduct.

Personal life

He has been married twice, first to Leslie Joan Barr and later to Pamela B. Perle, with whom he has two children. He maintains residences in Washington, D.C., and France, where he has owned property. An avid art collector, he has also been involved in various philanthropic and advisory roles within cultural and academic institutions. Despite his polarizing public career, he is described by associates as a private individual with a keen intellectual curiosity beyond the realm of geopolitics.

Category:American political advisors Category:Neoconservatism Category:American Enterprise Institute