James Addison Baker III is an American attorney, diplomat, and statesman who played a pivotal role in late 20th-century American politics. Born in Houston, Texas, in 1930, Baker was educated at Princeton University and the University of Texas School of Law before serving in the United States Marine Corps. He began his political career managing campaigns for his close friend George H. W. Bush and later Gerald Ford, eventually transitioning into highly influential appointed positions within the federal government.
Under President Ronald Reagan, Baker served as the 10th White House Chief of Staff from 1981 to 1985, before transitioning to Secretary of the Treasury. In this role, he was instrumental in orchestrating major international economic policies, including the Plaza Accord and the Baker Plan. He resigned his treasury post to successfully manage George H. W. Bush's 1988 presidential campaign, after which he was appointed the 61st U.S. Secretary of State.
As Secretary of State, Baker oversaw United States foreign policy during a period of historic global transition, including the end of the Cold War, the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and the Gulf War. He later returned briefly as White House Chief of Staff to assist with Bush's 1992 re-election campaign. Following his career in public office, Baker remained active in international affairs, serving as a United Nations envoy to Western Sahara and co-chairing the Iraq Study Group in 2006.
