TIPSHEET: Kerry likely to be more traditional secretary of state

Vanderbilt Schwartz Secretary State
John Kerry (U.S. Navy)

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TIPSHEET: Kerry likely to be more traditional secretary of state

Expect new secretary of state John Kerry to be a “more traditional” secretary of state than his predecessor Hillary Rodham Clinton, says historian Thomas Schwartz of Vanderbilt University.

Vanderbilt Schwartz Political Science
Thomas Schwartz (Vanderbilt)

Kerry, who was approved by the Senate Jan. 29 by a vote of 94 to 3, “might deliberately choose a style focused more on high-level negotiating and securing agreements,” said Schwartz, an expert on the history of international relations.

Clinton was a well-traveled secretary of state, known for holding town meetings and other events in many countries designed to highlight her efforts to promote the role of women and encourage democracy, Schwartz said.

Kerry, in contrast, is more likely to “re-start the Middle East peace talks or make an initiative toward Iran,” Schwartz said.