About the Burkle Center

Mission Statement

The Burkle Center fosters research on and promotes discussion of international relations, U.S. foreign policy, and complex issues of global cooperation and conflict. We bring the brightest minds in these fields to UCLA and encourage faculty and students to explore and shape debate.

History and Activities

Created in 1979, the Center sponsors conferences, lectures, and other events that bring world leaders and internationally renowned scholars to UCLA and to the Los Angeles community; hosts Senior Fellows, including former Supreme Allied Commander of Europe General Wesley K. Clark (ret.) and the 39th Foreign Minister of Thailand, Dr. Kantathi Suphamongkhon; funds research and courses on international affairs; sponsors programs including student dialogue groups and an internship program; administers fellowships and scholarships; and provides web-based publications, podcasts, and video op-eds that raise awareness and shape debate about important issues in international relations.

The Burkle Center has hosted visits and lectures by many eminent figures in world affairs, including Kofi Annan, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Yasuhiro Nakasone, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Wangari Maathai, CNN's Anderson Cooper and many others. In April 2009 the Burkle Center held its major annual conference on The Future of the Responsibility to Protect featuring a keynote address by Gareth Evans, President & CEO of the International Crisis Group.