James Bamford

Foreign Policy

Fifty years ago, against the backdrop of an America torn apart by Vietnam—Foreign Policy magazine was founded by Harvard professor Samuel Huntington, a one-time hawk, and his close friend, Warren Demian Manshel, a dove. The purpose and mission was to question commonplace views and groupthink and to give a voice to alternative views about American foreign policy. Huntington hoped it would be "serious but not scholarly, lively but not glib." In 2000, under the ownership of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, FP transitioned from a slim, quarterly journal to the glossy magazine it is today—while retaining its independent viewpoint and commitment to rigorous exploration of the world's biggest issues. As the world became more complex, its global audience rapidly grew. International editions were launched in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. In 2003 it won a National Magazine Award for General Excellence. It won a National Magazine Award again in 2007 and 2009. And ForeignPolicy.com is the only independent magazine that has won consecutive digital National Magazine Awards every year since the site was created. In 2008, FP was purchased by the Washington Post Co. The Post's leadership saw in FP an opportunity to build on past successes and use new media to serve decision-makers in business, finance, and government in ways that would further establish Foreign Policy as the leader in its field. In 2013, FP became part of Graham Holdings Company, formerly the Washington Post Company.