Warren Christopher

Warren Christopher – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

A full biography of Warren Christopher — American statesman, diplomat, and attorney. Learn about his early life, public service, foreign-policy achievements, memorable quotes, and enduring lessons.

Introduction

Warren Minor Christopher (October 27, 1925 – March 18, 2011) was an American lawyer, diplomat, and statesman who served as the 63rd U.S. Secretary of State under President Bill Clinton (1993–1997).

Often praised for his humility, discretion, and diplomatic skill, Christopher played key roles in sensitive negotiations and foreign policy decisions during the pivotal years of the 1990s, and left a legacy grounded in public service, moderation, and institutional respect.

Below is a deep dive into his life, achievements, philosophies, memorable words, and lasting lessons.

Early Life and Family

Warren Christopher was born in Scranton, North Dakota, on October 27, 1925, to Ernest William Christopher and Catherine Anne (née Lemen).

When he was about 10, his father became ill, and the family relocated to California in hopes of recuperation. Los Angeles and initially attended the University of Redlands before transferring to the University of Southern California (USC).

He graduated magna cum laude from USC in early 1945.

During World War II, he served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1943 to 1946, with active duty in the Pacific theater as an ensign.

After wartime service, Christopher entered Stanford Law School in 1946. Stanford Law Review and graduated with his law degree in 1949.

Early in his legal career, Christopher clerked for Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas (1949–1950).

He then joined the law firm O’Melveny & Myers, becoming a partner in 1958 and building a successful legal reputation in Los Angeles and beyond.

Public Service & Political Career

Christopher’s career interwove public service and private legal work. Below are major phases of his public roles.

Deputy Attorney General (1967–1969)

Under President Lyndon B. Johnson, Christopher served as U.S. Deputy Attorney General from March 1967 to January 1969.

After Johnson’s term ended, Christopher returned to private practice at O’Melveny & Myers.

Deputy Secretary of State (1977–1981)

When Jimmy Carter became President, Christopher was confirmed as Deputy Secretary of State, serving from February 26, 1977 to January 20, 1981.

During this tenure, he was intimately involved in major diplomatic challenges:

• The negotiation and implementation of the Algiers Accords, which paved the way for the release of 52 American hostages in Iran.

• Efforts to ratify the Panama Canal Treaties, returning control of the canal to Panama.

• Advancement of U.S.–China relations and human rights as a component of U.S. foreign policy.

In recognition of his service, President Carter awarded Christopher the Presidential Medal of Freedom in January 1981.

The Christopher Commission (1991)

In 1991, Christopher chaired an independent commission to investigate the Los Angeles Police Department in the wake of the Rodney King beating. This became known as the Christopher Commission, which proposed sweeping reforms to LAPD policies and oversight.

Secretary of State (1993–1997)

After helping guide Bill Clinton’s transition into office, Christopher was nominated and confirmed as Secretary of State, taking office on January 20, 1993, and serving until January 17, 1997.

As Secretary of State, his portfolio included:

• Leading U.S. efforts in the Middle East peace process, including support for the Oslo Accords.

• Coaching NATO expansion, establishing the “Partnership for Peace” policy which served as a bridge toward Eastern Europe integration.

• Working to normalize relations with Vietnam, culminating in restored diplomatic ties in July 1995.

• Negotiating the Dayton Agreement in late 1995 (with Richard Holbrooke) to bring peace to the Bosnian War.

• Managing crises such as the Khobar Towers bombing (1996) and pressing human rights concerns regarding China.

After leaving office in 1997, Christopher continued to shape public discourse and international policy through teaching, writing, and legal work.

He also served as a special representative in the Florida recount during the disputed 2000 presidential election for Al Gore’s team, representing the Democratic side in negotiations (paired against James A. Baker III representing Bush).

Publications, Honors & Personal Life

Christopher was a prolific writer and thinker. Among his works:

• In the Stream of History: Shaping Foreign Policy for a New Era (1998)

• Chances of a Lifetime: A Memoir (2001)

His honors and awards include:

• Presidential Medal of Freedom (1981)

• Jefferson Award for Public Service (given by the American or related institutions)

• Multiple honorary degrees and awards from universities and public institutions (e.g. UCLA medal, law awards)

In his personal life, Christopher was married twice:

1. To Joan Southgate Workman in 1949; they had one daughter, Lynn; the marriage ended in 1955.

2. In 1956, he married Marie Wyllis, with whom he had three children: Scott, Thomas, and Kristen.

He passed away from complications of kidney and bladder cancer on March 18, 2011, in Los Angeles, California, aged 85. Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills).

In public remembrances, leaders such as President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton praised Christopher as a “resolute pursuer of peace” and “a diplomat’s diplomat.”

Memorable Quotes

Warren Christopher was not overly known for pithy soundbites, but several of his observations reflect his temperament, approach, and worldview. Some notable quotations include:

“It’s very important not to lose your temper in a courtroom, or in anything else you’re doing.”

“My clerkship with Justice Douglas was tremendously important. He told me, ‘Christopher, get out into the stream of history and see what happens.’ I’ve tried to follow that advice.”

“I’ve got many close friends, but there’s an awful lot about friendship that is not demonstrative in my case.”

“One always wonders about roads not taken.”

“Probably the most useful thing I can do as secretary of state is to assist the president in adapting and renewing the transnational institutions that were created after World War II.”

“We have a human rights interest. Then there is the immigration problem. The human-rights violations have caused people to take to boats … creating great instability.”

These quotes reflect a modest, reflective personality and a belief in institutions, diplomacy, and cautious conscience.

Legacy and Influence

Warren Christopher’s contributions span law, diplomacy, and public service. His legacy may be seen in several areas:

1. Quiet diplomacy and statesmanship
   Christopher’s style was understated rather than sensational; he valued discretion, consultation, and institutional norms over ego-driven diplomacy.

2. Balancing law and policy
   As a trained lawyer and judge clerk, he brought legal rigor, respect for process, and argumentation skills to foreign policy.

3. Crisis management and peace processes
   His role in the Dayton Accords, Middle East mediation, NATO expansion, and normalized U.S.–Vietnam ties are among his signature achievements.

4. Public service beyond politics
   Even after leaving high office, Christopher engaged in teaching, writing, oversight roles, and being a public conscience in matters such as the Florida recount.

5. Model of integrity and humility
   Many colleagues praised Christopher for his low ego, principled nature, and sense of responsibility. President Clinton once remarked that Christopher had “the lowest ego-to-accomplishment ratio of any public servant I ever worked with.”

6. Institution-building & reform
   His chairmanship of the Christopher Commission and efforts to reform institutions reflect his belief that systems—police forces, diplomacy, foreign institutions—must evolve and self-scrutinize.

Lessons from Warren Christopher

From Christopher’s life and career, we can extract several enduring lessons:

• Modesty and achievement can co-exist
  One need not dominate the spotlight to influence major policies; consistency, skill, and humility often leave deeper marks.

• Law foundations strengthen diplomacy
  Rigorous training in law and respect for process supported his ability to manage complex negotiations and institutional balancing.

• Patience and incremental progress
  Christopher often favored quiet, incremental gains and multilateral consensus rather than dramatic gestures—especially in diplomacy.

• Institutions matter
  His work underscores that institutions (courts, treaties, alliances, commissions) are not secondary—they are the infrastructure of lasting peace and governance.

• Service beyond tenure
  Real public servants continue contributing even after leaving office—teaching, writing, shaping debate, and holding systems accountable.

Conclusion

Warren Christopher’s life was a testament to the power of steady, principled public service. Less flashy than many contemporaries, he left an indelible mark on U.S. diplomacy, American foreign policy in the post–Cold War era, and the aspirations for conflict resolution through negotiation.

He showed that diplomacy built on respect, legal care, humility, and persistence remains indispensable in world affairs. His journey encourages us to value substance over style, institutions over individuals, and service over showmanship.