Crocker, Chester

Crocker, Chester (Arthur)

(1941–  ) diplomat; born in New York City. He studied at Johns Hopkins University and worked as a journalist on the Africa Report (1965–66, 1968–69). He served on the National Security Council (1970–72) and then returned to academic life at Georgetown University. As assistant secretary of state for African affairs (1981–89) he pushed for a policy of "constructive engagement" with South Africa. He was on the board of directors of the U.S. Institute of Peace (1991).

The Cambridge Dictionary of American Biography, by John S. Bowman. Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995. Reproduced with permission.