Antony Blinken will resume service at the State Department, this time as head of US diplomacy. In doing so, he will perpetuate both professional and family traditions.
The new Secretary of State, whose appointment was confirmed by the Senate on January 26, will reconnect with an agency where he served under the Clinton and Obama governments. By putting himself in the service of the state, he follows in the footsteps of his father and uncle, both of whom were ambassadors of the United States.
During a Senate hearing on January 19 for his appointment to the post of 71e Secretary of State Antony Blinken is committed to working with international partners to address global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, he underscored the ability of the United States to mobilize other nations for the common good.
“A lot has changed, but some remain constant. American leadership remains relevant, “said Antony Blinken, with the caveat, however:” None of the great challenges we face can be met by a country that goes it alone – even a country as powerful as the United States. . “
The senior official called the continuation of the tradition of public service dear to his family a “sacred duty”.
Antony Blinken previously spoke about the experience of his family members immigrating to the United States to escape persecution. That past, he said, guided his view of America’s role in the world.
His grandfather, Maurice Blinken, fled the pogroms in Russia and immigrated to the United States. His mother-in-law, Vera Blinken, left Communist Hungary. Later, she helped other refugees to come to America. As for his stepfather, Samuel Pisar, he survived four years in Nazi concentration camps. He managed to escape during a death march and was rescued by the US military.
“For my family, as for many generations of Americans, America has literally been the last lifeline,” said Antony Blinken * on November 24, after his appointment was announced by then President-elect Joe Biden.
Among my parents and grandparents are immigrants, refugees, a Holocaust survivor. For them and many others, America was the last best hope on earth. Their stories inspired me to serve.
America at its best is why I’m here—that’s what I hope to help restore for future generations. pic.twitter.com/fowgaesMQC
– Antony Blinken (@ABlinken) December 14, 2020
Born in Yonkers, New York, Antony Blinken came from a family of civil servants and diplomats. Her father, Donald Blinken, served in the United States Air Force and was United States Ambassador to Hungary. His uncle, Alan Blinken, held this post in Belgium.
His stepfather, who survived the Holocaust and studied at Harvard University, was an advisor to President Kennedy.
A graduate of Harvard University and Columbia University Law School, he entered the State Department in 1993. He then held positions in the White House under Clinton and on the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. There, he will work closely with Joe Biden, then senator from Delaware.
After Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential victory, Antony Blinken served as Vice President Biden’s National Security Advisor, then Senior Deputy National Security Advisor. He will be appointed Deputy Secretary of State in 2015.
Antony Blinken has repeatedly stressed the essential role the United States has to play in mobilizing other countries in the face of global challenges, such as climate change, the proliferation of weapons and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have to work with other countries. (…) We need cooperation. We need partnerships, ”he insisted on November 24.
*in English
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