Daniel Kurtz-Phelan

Daniel Kurtz-Phelan, a journalist and author, ascended to the position of executive editor of Foreign Affairs in October 2017, after his previous role at the magazine as senior editor. His tenure in this role was until December 2020. He now serves as the esteemed editor of Foreign Affairs and also holds the prestigious Peter G. Peterson Chair at the Council on Foreign Relations. Prior to his time at the magazine, he was a member of the Secretary of State’s Policy Planning Staff from 2010-2012, serving under Hillary Clinton, where he acted as a foreign policy advisor and speechwriter.

His academic background lies in the study of history and international relations, which he pursued at Yale University. An accomplished writer, his narrative history of George Marshall’s post–World War II mission to China, "The China Mission: George Marshall's Unfinished War, 1945–1947," was published in April 2018. His insights and perspectives on international affairs have made their way into reputable publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and, of course, Foreign Affairs.

Apart from his roles in journalism and public service, he was also a fellow in the International Security program at the New America Foundation and has held positions at the Centre for Policy Research and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, showcasing his multifaceted involvement and dedication to the fields of international relations and foreign policy.