James Baker the third

James Addison Baker III (born April 28, 1930) is an American statesman, lawyer, and political figure closely associated with the Republican Party and the Bush family.

Early Life & Career

Born in Houston, Texas, into a wealthy and influential family.

Educated at Princeton University (A.B., 1952) and the University of Texas School of Law (J.D., 1957).

Practiced law in Houston before entering politics.

Government Roles

Baker held a series of top-level U.S. government positions under three Republican presidents:

1. White House Chief of Staff

• Under Ronald Reagan (1981–1985).

• Later returned as Chief of Staff for George H. W. Bush (1992–1993).

2. U.S. Secretary of the Treasury (1985–1988)

Oversaw the Plaza Accord (1985), an international agreement to realign currency values, especially to weaken the U.S. dollar against the yen and Deutsche mark.

Key figure in Reagan-era tax reform and fiscal policy.

3. U.S. Secretary of State (1989–1992)

Served under George H. W. Bush.

Played a central role in diplomacy during the end of the Cold War, German reunification, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the 1991 Gulf War coalition.

Helped organize the Madrid Peace Conference (1991) for Arab–Israeli negotiations.

#MadridPeaceAccord

Political & Legal Influence

Ran five presidential campaigns as a top adviser (for Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush in 2000).

In 2000, co-led George W. Bush’s legal team during the Florida recount, which effectively decided the U.S. presidential election.

Legacy

• Widely regarded as one of the most skilled political operators and diplomats of late 20th-century America.

• Noted for pragmatism, negotiation skills, and ability to work across party lines.

• His memoir, The Politics of Diplomacy (1995), details his time as Secretary of State.