Madeleine Korbel Albright (1937–2022)

Madeleine Albright passed away. We express our deep condolences to her close ones, her colleagues, her friends.

Much has been said and written about Madeleine Albright. She has become a legend in the United States, having gone through an arduous journey from an emigrant to the Secretary of State, and the first woman in the history of the nation to assume such a high-ranking office in the U.S. administration. Her views and perspectives have shaped U.S. foreign policy in the wake of the Cold War.

Madeleine Albright was a person of conviction. She was vehemently opposed to the ideology of Communism, while she treated Russia, its history and its culture, with great respect. She was well aware that Moscow and Washington should never close the door for dialogue and cooperation, no matter the principal differences.

During negotiations, much as in personal conversations with her colleagues, Madeleine was resolute and unyielding when it came to ensuring her country’s interest, which is something any high-ranking official would be expected to do. Still, she never allowed disrespect for her opponents, and she could listen—at times, taking heed of other perspectives.

On numerous occasions, I had the pleasure to communicate with Madeleine. We talked during her years in the Department of State, and we continued when, having concluded her diplomatic career, she went on with a number of social and academic projects. We would often disagree. We would often beg to differ when it came to our assessment of the developments across the globe, our takes on the prospects of the world order. Nevertheless, our communication was also meaningful—much as it was that of friendship. Madeleine Albright knew what it took to be a friend, without making any compromises on her own convictions and on the principal issues. Perhaps, this is the reason why she always attracted people—including those who chose to be her staunch opponent.

It takes time to see what footprint a person of such magnitude as Madeleine Albright would make in her country’s history. Today, we are left with nothing else than our deep condolences.