Former Secretary of State Christopher discusses book

Thursday, November 19, 1998

Former Secretary of State Christopher discusses book

SIGNING: Author visits campus to talk about collection of
speeches

By Linh Tat

Daily Bruin Contributor

Former U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher was on campus
Wednesday to discuss and sign his new book, "In the Stream of
History: Shaping Foreign Policy for a New Era."

The book-signing was co-sponsored by the UCLA School of Public
Policy and Social Research and the Department of Political
Science.

"It is a great honor to have him here," said event organizer
Sally Van Meter.

Christopher, the secretary of state during President Clinton’s
first term in office, worked as a diplomat for every Democratic
administration from 1960 to 1996. During the Carter administration,
he served as chief negotiator in the Iranian hostage crisis.

In his book, a collection of 37 speeches he made as secretary of
state, Christopher discussed foreign policies related to conflicts
in Bosnia and the Middle East, restoring democracy in Haiti,
maintaining relationships with China and reaffirming U.S.
commitment to human rights issues. He also offered insights on
maintaining the position of the United States as a leading nation
and promoting global cooperation.

"It’s a book I recommend taking in small doses," Christopher
said.

The book is prefaced by an essay on policy context and purpose,
and explains the reason behind giving each speech. The prologue
looks at the challenges facing this country and offers suggestions
for future policy makers.

The event was part of the Author Series put on by the UCLA
Store’s BookZone.

Christopher said that speeches are essential tools for
discussing foreign policy. He explained how speeches can be
strategic measures to give certain issues more prominence.

"Speeches are examined with particular care all over the world,"
he said.

During a question-and-answer period at the book-signing,
Christopher left a message for every policy maker.

"It is important to be candid and forthright, and as direct as
you can."

Christopher got the idea for the title of his book from his
mentor, Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas, who advised him
when he was a law clerk in 1949, "Get out in the stream of history,
and swim as fast as you can."

Students who attended the event said that though Christopher
didn’t answer every question directly, for the most part they were
satisfied with his responses.

"He is knowledgeable, down to earth and open to addressing
issues that were was not comfortable speaking about," said Aviva
Roller, a first-year political science student.

Christopher is currently the Senior Partner at O’Melveny &
Meyers, an international law firm stationed in Los Angeles.

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