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 former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, CNN's Anderson Cooper, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen, Nobel Laureate in economics Joseph Stiglitz, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and many others.