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Nicholas Burns

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description Nicholas Burns Overview

Nicholas Burns is a United States career diplomat who served as under secretary of state for political affairs from 2005 to 2008. He was also U.S. ambassador to Greece and ambassador to NATO before leaving the Foreign Service, and later returned to government as President Joe Biden's ambassador to China, taking up that post in 2022. The position placed a former senior State Department official at the center of U.S.-China relations.

help Nicholas Burns FAQ

What senior State Department role did Nicholas Burns hold?

Nicholas Burns served as under secretary of state for political affairs from 2005 to 2008. This made him one of the senior officials responsible for U.S. foreign-policy work.

Which ambassadorial posts did Nicholas Burns hold?

He served as U.S. ambassador to Greece and as ambassador to NATO. Those assignments came during his career as a United States career diplomat.

Did Nicholas Burns leave and later return to government?

Yes. After leaving the Foreign Service, he later returned to government during President Joe Biden's administration.

Is Nicholas Burns a career diplomat or a political appointee?

He is identified as a United States career diplomat. His record includes senior State Department work and ambassadorial assignments to Greece and NATO.