FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars mourns the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a towering figure in American foreign policy and champion of cross-party dialogue.  

Senator Graham's influence on the foreign policy landscape was profound and distinctive, and his legacy extends far beyond legislative accomplishments. He demonstrated that national security advocacy and genuine bipartisanship were essential in advancing American interests. His commitment to international exchange and understanding reflected a conviction that American policymakers must engage directly with the world to shape events with informed clarity and purpose.  He demonstrated that expertise grounded in real-world engagement, paired with genuine respect for colleagues across the aisle, remains the most durable foundation for American leadership abroad.  

"Senator Graham understood that continued learning about the world’s complexities and building relationships across party lines is the foundation of effective governance. As an educator, he challenged his colleagues to think more deeply and modeled what it means to hold strong convictions while remaining open to partnership. In that spirit, he set a standard for the next generation of foreign policy leaders,” stated David Mansdoerfer, Acting Chair of The Wilson Center’s Board of Trustees.   

“The Wilson Center's mission has always been rooted in the belief that America is best served when our elected officials have access to rigorous, nonpartisan analysis and the opportunity to engage in sustained dialogue with experts, peers, and international partners. Senator Graham exemplified that philosophy. He valued the work of institutions dedicated to these values, and he demonstrated consistently that bipartisanship is a hallmark of serious statesmanship,” stated Natasha Jacome, President and CEO of The Wilson Center.

With deep sympathies, we offer his family, staff, and colleagues our condolences. The Wilson Center honors his memory in our commitment to the mission of supporting the congressional deliberation and international understanding to which he devoted his career.  

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars is a congressionally chartered, nonpartisan institution headquartered in Washington, D.C. The Center's mission is to commemorate the ideals and concerns of Woodrow Wilson by providing a neutral forum for open, serious, and sustained dialogue between and among citizens of all nations on pressing global issues.