George Pratt Shultz (1920–2021) was an influential American economist, diplomat, and statesman, best known for his tenure as Secretary of State under President Ronald Reagan, during which he played a key role in shaping Cold War diplomacy.
Born in New York City, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University in 1942 and a PhD in industrial economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1949. His early career as an economist and professor at the University of Chicago 1957–69 established his reputation in economic policy.
As Secretary of State 1982–89, Shultz advanced arms control agreements, promoted diplomacy, and contributed to the resolution of the Cold War. His achievements included negotiating the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (1987) with the Soviet Union, a milestone in nuclear disarmament.
His book Turmoil & Triumph: My Years as Secretary of State (1993) provides an autobiographical account of his strategic decisions. Later, he advised future policymakers on economics and governance.
Shultz’s legacy was marred by his association with Theranos (2011–18,) a fraudulent blood-testing company. His influential connections helped legitimize its operations, while his grandson became a key whistleblower whose efforts exposed the deception and contributed to the company’s downfall.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by George P. Shultz
He who walks in the middle of the road gets hit from both sides.
—George P. Shultz
Topics: Commitment, Dedication
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