Press Release
from Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Ambassador Stephen W. Bosworth, a Belfer Center senior fellow, former ambassador, and long-time public servant, died on January 4, 2016, at the age of 76.
In announcing Bosworth's passing, Belfer Center Director Graham Allison said, "We learned the sad news today that our friend and colleague Steve Bosworth died last night peacefully at home in hospice care. A great American public servant, Steve had an extensive career in the United States Foreign Service, including service as Ambassador to Tunisia, the Philippines, and the Republic of Korea."
"Few diplomats," Allison said, "knew more about – or contributed more meaningfully to – the Korean peninsula than Steve. None of us was surprised when President Obama appointed him the U.S. special envoy on North Korea in 2009. After a remarkable tenure as Dean of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, Steve joined us at the Belfer Center. The man known for staring down dictators and cajoling repressive regimes was widely admired in our halls for his intellect, collegiality, and exceptional kindness. We were fortunate to have him in our midst for the past three years as an active member of the Belfer family, and we will miss him deeply."
Secretary of State John Kerry was among the many who expressed sadness at Stephen Bosworth's passing. Secretary Kerry issued this statement.
Other tributes to Ambassador Bosworth and comments on his legacy as a consummate diplomat appeared in publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, and Forbes.
The family's obituary for Stephen Bosworth is attached.