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Nicholas Platt
Nicholas Platt
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Nicholas Platt (born March 10, 1936) is an American diplomat who served as U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Pakistan, Philippines, Zambia, and as a high level diplomat in Canada, China, Hong Kong, and Japan. He is the former president of the Asia Society in New York City.[1]

Key Information

Early years

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Platt was born in New York City on March 10, 1936. He is the son of Helen (née Choate) Platt and architect Geoffrey Platt.[2]

His maternal grandfather was Joseph H. Choate Jr.,[3] and his great-grandfather was diplomat and lawyer Joseph Hodges Choate, who was appointed U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom in 1899 by President William Mckinley. Joseph's brother, William Gardner Choate, established Choate Rosemary Hall.

Platt graduated from the prep school St. Paul's School, Harvard College (B.A., 1957) and Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (M.A., 1959). At Harvard, he was a member of the Hasty Pudding Club and the Porcellian Club.[4] He speaks Chinese, German, French, and Japanese.[2]

Career

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Platt began his career as a research assistant at the Washington Center for Foreign Policy Research before entering the Foreign Service of the United States in 1959. Reportedly, he was inspired to join the Foreign Service by his great-grandfather, Ambassador Joseph Hodges Choate. From 1959 to 1961, he served as vice consul in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. From 1962 to 1963, he studied the Chinese language at the Foreign Service Institute and in Taichung, Taiwan. In 1964, he was assigned as political officer at the American consulate general in Hong Kong until 1968, when he became China desk officer in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.[2]

From 1969 to 1971, Platt was chief of the Asian Communist Areas Division of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research. In 1971–1973, he served as Deputy Director, and then Director, of the Secretariat Staff in the Department of State. As a young diplomat, Platt accompanied President Richard Nixon on the historic trip to Beijing in 1972 that signaled the resumption of relations between the U.S. and China.[2]

Platt was assigned as chief of the political section, U.S. Liaison Office, Peking, China, 1973–1974, and then as deputy chief of the political section at the Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, 1974–1977. He returned to Washington to serve as Director for Japanese Affairs in 1977 and then served as a staff member on the National Security Council at the White House from 1978 to 1980. From 1980 to 1981, he was Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, International Security Affairs in the U.S. Department of Defense. From 1981 to 1982, he returned to the Department of State as Deputy Assistant Secretary, International Organization Affairs.[2]

Ambassador Platt shared his career experiences through several oral histories that he shared with the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training and are now available as part of Frontline Diplomacy: The Foreign Affairs Oral History Collection, first in 1994 and again in 2005.[5]

Ambassadorships

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On July 22, 1982, President Reagan appointed Platt to succeed Frank G. Wisner as the U.S. Ambassador to Zambia. He presented his credentials on August 31, 1982 and served until he left his post on December 17, 1984 to become the Special Assistant to the Secretary of State and Executive Secretary of the U.S. Department of State. Platt stayed as Executive Secretary until February 13, 1987.[6]

On August 10, 1987, he was again appointed by Reagan as the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, succeeding Stephen W. Bosworth.[7] Platt presented his credentials on August 27, 1987 and served in this role through George H. W. Bush's election as president until he left his post on July 20, 1991, after receiving his subsequent appointment by President Bush, when he was replaced by Wisner.[6]

On July 2, 1991, President Bush appointed Platt to succeed Robert B. Oakley as the U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan in Islamabad,[8] where he remained until he left his post on November 3, 1992.[6] He was succeeded as Ambassador by John Cameron Monjo.

Later career

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Following his retirement from the State Department, in 1992 Platt began serving as the fifth president of Asia Society, a non-profit organization that focuses on educating the world about Asia.[9] He also was a member of the Council on Foreign Relations in New York and was a member of the International Advisory Board of the Financial Times.[9]

Personal life

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On June 28, 1957,[4] he married Sheila Maynard at the Protestant Episcopal Church in Rhinebeck, New York.[10] Sheila was a clinical social worker who worked in Islamabad.[11] She was the daughter of Eileen (née Burden) and investment banker Walter Maynard (son of Walter E. Maynard), and the maternal-granddaughter of banker and equestrian Arthur Scott Burden, and the Hon. Cynthia Burke Roche.[2][12]

He frequently spends his summers in North Haven, Maine.[14]

References

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from Grokipedia
Nicholas Platt (born 1936) is a retired American career diplomat specializing in affairs, who served as U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to from 1982 to 1984, to the Philippines from 1987 to 1991, and to from 1991 to 1992. Educated at , from which he graduated in 1957, and the School of Advanced International Studies, Platt joined the Foreign Service after training in and began his as a China analyst at the U.S. Consulate General in . Over a 34-year tenure at the Department of State, he held senior positions including Director of the Secretariat Staff, Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and Executive Secretary of the Department. Following his retirement, Platt led the as its fifth president from 1992 to 2004, advancing U.S.-Asia cultural and policy engagement. His diplomatic service emphasized relations with key Asian nations amid transitions, including managing U.S. responses to regional security challenges during his ambassadorships.

Early Life and Education

Family Background and Childhood

Nicholas Platt was born on March 10, 1936, in New York City, to Helen (née Choate) Platt and Geoffrey Platt, an architect. The Platt family maintained a longstanding tradition in architecture, with Platt's paternal grandfather, uncle, and multiple cousins also working in the field. On his maternal side, Platt descended from the prominent Choate family; his great-grandfather was Joseph Hodges Choate, a lawyer and diplomat who served as United States Ambassador to the Court of St. James's from 1899 to 1905. Platt grew up in New York City and attended St. Paul's School, an elite Episcopal preparatory school in , from which he graduated in 1953. During his time there, he developed a strong interest in , influenced by rigorous instruction from dedicated teachers.

Academic Preparation and Influences

Platt attended St. Paul's School in , a preparatory institution known for its rigorous classical , where he developed a strong interest in under the tutelage of instructor Carrol McDonald, whose incisive teaching style emphasized analytical depth. This early exposure fostered Platt's appreciation for historical narratives and their implications for international relations, laying foundational skills in critical thinking and textual analysis essential for diplomatic training. He pursued undergraduate studies at , earning a degree in 1957 with a focus on European history and international affairs. During his time at Harvard, Platt participated in a summer volunteer program in , where he engaged in debates representing American perspectives amid diverse cultural viewpoints, an experience that broadened his understanding of cross-cultural diplomacy and reinforced his inclination toward foreign service. This extracurricular immersion highlighted the practical dimensions of ideological exchanges, influencing his subsequent career orientation away from purely academic pursuits toward applied international engagement. Platt advanced his expertise with a Master of Arts from the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in 1959, concentrating on global policy and with an initial emphasis on before shifting toward . SAIS's interdisciplinary approach, integrating , , and , equipped him with analytical tools for navigating complex geopolitical environments, drawing on faculty expertise in realist . These formative academic phases, unmarred by overt ideological skews in the sources reviewed, prioritized empirical historical analysis over contemporary activist frameworks, aligning with Platt's later pragmatic diplomatic roles.

Diplomatic Career

Entry into Foreign Service and Early Asian Postings

Nicholas Platt entered the in 1959 after passing the requisite examinations while still a senior at , drawn by the prospect of engaging with global history and influenced by figures such as Bohlen. His initial assignment was as a consular officer in , , from 1959 to 1961, where he managed the visa section at a small four-person post. Shifting focus toward , Platt underwent intensive training at the in the early 1960s, followed by further study in , , from 1962 to 1963. This prepared him for his first Asian posting in from 1964 to 1968, serving as a political and analyst on mainland China's domestic affairs, including monitoring the through daily intelligence cables. After returning to Washington, D.C., to work on the China Desk and lead the community of China watchers, Platt advanced to the U.S. Liaison Office in in 1973–1974 as head of the political section, shortly after the establishment of diplomatic liaison between the U.S. and . He then served in from 1974 to 1977, handling political affairs amid Japan's complex domestic landscape. These early Asian assignments solidified Platt's expertise in regional dynamics, setting the stage for his subsequent high-level diplomatic roles.

Mid-Career Diplomatic Roles

Platt's mid-career in the Foreign Service encompassed key Washington-based positions focused on East Asian policy, as well as operational roles advancing U.S.- relations during the normalization period. Following his posting in , he returned to the Department of State in 1968 as a China desk officer in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, where he analyzed political developments and contributed to policy formulation amid escalating U.S. engagement with the . From 1971 to 1973, Platt served first as Deputy Director and then as Director of the Secretariat Staff, a senior administrative role coordinating high-level departmental operations and supporting . In this capacity, he facilitated interbureau communications and managed executive-level correspondence, gaining exposure to broader foreign policy machinery. His expertise in Asian affairs positioned him for involvement in pivotal diplomatic initiatives, including accompanying National Security Advisor on secret trips to in 1971 and serving on President Richard Nixon's advance team for the 1972 summit in . Subsequently, Platt held the position of Chief of the Political Section at the U.S. Liaison Office in from approximately 1973 to 1975, reporting directly to the head of the mission during the transitional phase before full in 1979. This role involved daily interactions with Chinese officials, monitoring internal politics, and shaping U.S. reporting on post-Cultural Revolution dynamics, which informed Washington's strategic recalibrations. Later in his mid-career, he directed the Office of Japanese Affairs in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, overseeing bilateral relations, trade negotiations, and security dialogues at a time of strengthening amid tensions. These assignments honed Platt's influence on Asia policy, bridging analysis, administration, and fieldwork.

Ambassadorship to Zambia (1984–1987)

Nicholas Platt was nominated by President on July 22, 1982, to serve as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to , succeeding . He presented his credentials to President on August 31, 1982, and served until December 17, 1984, when he departed to assume the role of Executive Secretary of the Department of State. During this period, maintained a non-aligned foreign policy under Kaunda's one-party socialist government, while providing logistical support to (ANC) and South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) liberation movements opposing apartheid in and , respectively. Platt's tenure coincided with heightened U.S. concerns over Soviet and Cuban military involvement in , particularly in , prompting the Reagan administration's strategy of "constructive engagement" with South Africa's white-minority regime to counter communist influence. As ambassador, Platt cultivated a close personal relationship with Kaunda, whom he later described as "tearful but politically astute," facilitating consultations on regional stability. In this capacity, Platt served as a roving representative for of State Chester Crocker to the frontline states—, , , , and —advancing U.S. diplomatic efforts to broker peace in Angola and Namibia amid ongoing proxy conflicts. Key events included Kaunda's March 1983 visit to Washington, where he met Reagan to discuss economic aid and southern African peace initiatives; Platt emphasized that such consultations demonstrated U.S. attentiveness to Zambian perspectives on regional dynamics. U.S. economic assistance to , focused on relief, agricultural development, and infrastructure, totaled approximately $40 million annually during Platt's term, supporting Kaunda's efforts to mitigate food shortages exacerbated by regional warfare and sanctions against (pre-1980) spillover effects. Platt also navigated tensions arising from Zambia's hosting of ANC operations, which drew South African cross-border raids, while advocating for U.S. interests in exports—Zambia's primary revenue source—and debt rescheduling amid the country's growing external obligations. Platt's diplomatic approach emphasized pragmatic engagement over ideological confrontation, reflecting his prior Asia-focused career but adapted to African contexts; he later reflected that the posting honed his skills in managing leader-centric in volatile environments. His efforts contributed to sustained bilateral ties, including U.S. support for 's mediation role in the 1984 Nkomati Accord between and , though broader U.S.- alignment remained limited by divergent views on apartheid sanctions. Upon departure, Platt's successor, Paul J. Hare, inherited a framework of dialogue that persisted amid 's economic challenges and Kaunda's increasing isolation.

Ambassadorship to the Philippines (1987–1989)

Nicholas Platt was nominated by President Ronald Reagan on April 22, 1987, to serve as the United States Ambassador to the Philippines, succeeding Stephen W. Bosworth. A career Foreign Service officer with extensive experience in Asia, including postings in Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, and Japan, Platt was appointed on August 10, 1987, and presented his credentials on August 27, 1987. His tenure began amid the early challenges of President Corazon Aquino's administration, following the 1986 People Power Revolution that ousted Ferdinand Marcos, with key U.S. priorities centering on bolstering democratic stability and negotiating the future of American military facilities. Platt's ambassadorship focused heavily on the U.S. military bases at and Naval Station, which were vital for American strategic interests in the . In March 1988, he led the U.S. delegation in a review of the bases agreement, addressing compensation and lease terms amid Philippine demands for higher rents. Negotiations stalled over financial disagreements, with the U.S. offering increased aid packages while the sought greater economic concessions; Platt emphasized the bases' role in regional security and investment attraction. In November 1988, he oversaw the awarding of a contract for 506 housing units at to support U.S. personnel, underscoring ongoing operational commitments despite uncertainties. By late 1988, Platt expressed optimism for resumed talks in 1989, highlighting the need for mutual benefits in the post-Marcos era. A pivotal moment came during the December 1-8, 1989, coup attempt by reformist military factions against Aquino, which threatened Manila and involved attacks on key installations. Platt coordinated U.S. support, including authorizing F-4 Phantom jets from Clark to provide air cover for loyalist forces at the Philippine government's request, a move that helped suppress the rebellion but drew rebel threats to hold him personally liable. He later described the events as "the longest day of my life," reflecting intense diplomatic engagement to reinforce democratic governance without direct U.S. troop involvement. Platt publicly affirmed U.S. commitment to Philippine democracy, announcing the cessation of air support when requested by Aquino's forces, amid broader efforts to navigate base-related tensions exacerbated by the crisis.

Ambassadorship to Pakistan (1991–1992)

Nicholas Platt was nominated by President George H. W. Bush on April 26, 1991, to serve as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to . He was appointed on July 2, 1991, presented his credentials on October 24, 1991, and left his post on November 3, 1992. His tenure followed the invocation of the Pressler Amendment in October 1990, which cut off U.S. military and economic aid to due to evidence of its covert nuclear weapons program, ending the strategic partnership forged during the Soviet-Afghan War. This sanctions regime, requiring presidential certification that did not possess a nuclear , severely strained bilateral ties, with U.S. assistance dropping from over $600 million annually in the 1980s to near zero by 1991. Platt's ambassadorship occurred amid the final collapse of the Soviet-backed regime in in April 1992 and the itself, shifting U.S. priorities away from as a frontline ally against . He focused on maintaining diplomatic channels with Pakistan's fractious leadership— , President , and Army Chief of Staff General Aslam Beg (succeeded by General Asif Nawaz in August 1991)—acting as a mediator in their political rivalries while navigating the aid suspension. Platt engaged extensively through travel and attendance at local events like hunts and banquets to sustain influence, despite minimal security needs compared to prior postings, with only one Pakistani constable assigned for protection. U.S.- relations deteriorated further over 's continued support for Afghan mujahideen factions, including those linked to emerging Islamist networks, prompting Platt to warn Pakistani leaders in 1992 that persistent backing of such groups risked designating a state sponsor of terrorism. Throughout his term, Platt emphasized non-proliferation concerns, reflecting Washington's determination to curb Pakistan's nuclear advancements amid intelligence confirming ongoing enrichment activities at facilities like . His efforts prioritized dialogue over confrontation, but the structural constraints of sanctions limited tangible progress, setting the stage for enduring tensions in bilateral security cooperation. Platt departed as relations hit a post-Cold War low, with no restoration of aid during his watch.

Post-Retirement Activities

Leadership of the (1992–2004)

Upon retiring from the U.S. Foreign Service in 1992, Nicholas Platt was appointed the fifth president of the , a dedicated to fostering understanding of through , , , , and programs. Drawing on his extensive diplomatic experience in the region, Platt guided the institution during a period of heightened U.S.- economic and cultural ties, coinciding with 's rapid growth and the advent of the , which facilitated broader exchanges in trade, investment, travel, sports, and interpersonal connections. Under Platt's tenure, the transitioned from a primarily New York-based cultural and policy forum into a multi-centered global network, expanding its outreach through strengthened international centers, including significant development of the branch established in 1990. He prioritized initiatives to deepen American awareness of amid surging bilateral interactions, emphasizing policy dialogues on regional security, , and while hosting events featuring Asian leaders, artists, and scholars. Platt also established the Nicholas Platt Endowment for , providing sustained funding for programs addressing Asia-related geopolitical and developmental issues. Platt retired as president on July 1, 2004, assuming the role of president emeritus, having overseen the organization's adaptation to post-Cold War dynamics and the rise of Asian economies, though he noted persistent gaps in mutual understanding between Americans and Asians.

Later Contributions and Public Engagements

Following his tenure as president of the , Platt published the memoir China Boys: How U.S. Relations with the PRC Began and Grew—A Personal Memoir in 2010, detailing his early experiences in U.S.- diplomacy, including preparations for President Nixon's 1972 visit to and the establishment of liaison offices in 1973. The book draws on declassified documents and personal accounts to describe the logistical and political challenges of normalizing relations, emphasizing the roles of key figures like . Platt maintained an active role in public discourse on U.S.-Asia relations through lectures and . In 2010, he presented on his memoir at an event, highlighting the foundational steps in bilateral ties. He delivered talks such as "China Then and Now" at , contrasting historical diplomatic openings with contemporary challenges. In a 2014 with Education About Asia, Platt assessed U.S.- dynamics from Mao Zedong's era to the present, stressing the importance of sustained engagement despite tensions. As President Emeritus, Platt contributed to institutional reflections, including a 2016 discussion on the organization's 60th anniversary, underscoring its role in fostering cross-cultural understanding. He participated in forums like the Mid-Coast Forum on Foreign Relations, addressing U.S.- relations' evolution. In May 2025, Platt engaged in a public conversation at the U.S.- Education Trust, reflecting on his career's implications for ongoing bilateral policy. Platt also joined family-oriented panels, such as an discussion on food and with sons Adam and , linking personal heritage to broader diplomatic themes. His engagements as a member of the American Academy of Diplomacy further supported advocacy for professional diplomacy, though specific post-2004 board roles remain limited in .

Personal Life and Legacy

Family and Personal Interests

Platt was married to Sheila Maynard Platt, a clinical social worker and psychiatric counselor who accompanied him on diplomatic postings including in , for more than 60 years until her death on May 15, 2018, at their home in New York. She played an active role as an ambassador's spouse, engaging in social and community support efforts, particularly during periods of heightened stress for diplomatic families. The couple had three sons—Adam, Oliver, and Nicholas Jr.—and eight grandchildren. The sons pursued diverse careers shaped in part by the family's nomadic lifestyle across Asia in the 1960s and 1970s, where frequent relocations led to the children attending 10 different schools before college. Adam Platt became a writer and restaurant critic for New York magazine. Oliver Platt is an actor known for roles in The West Wing and films involving culinary themes. Nicholas Platt Jr., born in 1964 in Hong Kong, transitioned from journalism to entrepreneurship in finance as an investment banker. Nicholas Jr. married Robyn Marie Watts, daughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. Robert Watts, on August 13, 1994, in New York. Platt's personal interests center on cuisine and its diplomatic applications, reflecting experiences from postings in places like , , , and , where he favored both Western dishes such as escargot and local street foods. The family cultivated an adventurous approach to eating, experimenting with fusions like cheese in Japan and sampling extensive local varieties, such as 120 dumplings in one Beijing meal, which fostered a shared appreciation for global food cultures amid their travels.

Assessments of Career Impact

Platt's ambassadorship to the Philippines from 1987 to 1991 played a key role in stabilizing U.S.-Philippine relations during the turbulent post-Marcos democratic transition, marked by the People Power Revolution's aftermath and several coup attempts against President Corazon Aquino. He advised Aquino against immediate assaults during the December 1989 coup, contributing to de-escalation efforts that preserved U.S. interests amid ongoing military base negotiations at Clark and Subic Bay, which ultimately closed in 1991-1992 after failed treaty renewal. His nearly four-year tenure set a record for duration among U.S. ambassadors to the Philippines, allowing consistent diplomatic engagement that maintained alliance continuity despite domestic instability and anti-base sentiment. In Pakistan from 1991 to 1992, Platt managed relations during Nawaz Sharif's early government amid economic pressures and nuclear program concerns, later assessing that U.S. intelligence had noted Pakistani progress on weapons but underestimated timelines, reflecting broader policy challenges in countering proliferation while sustaining strategic ties. He advocated for long-term U.S. commitment, rejecting characterizations of Pakistan as a "failed state" and emphasizing stable governance support. Earlier, his Zambia posting (1984-1987) supported U.S. interests in southern Africa during Cold War proxy dynamics, though assessments highlight it as a formative mid-career role with limited long-term bilateral shifts. Post-retirement leadership of the from 1992 to 2004 amplified Platt's influence on U.S.-Asia engagement, coinciding with surges in trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges that deepened mutual understanding amid . He is credited with institutional growth that countered knowledge gaps, as Asians often understood the U.S. better than vice versa, fostering over geopolitical frictions. Overall, diplomatic evaluations portray Platt's 34-year Foreign Service career as effectively advancing U.S. strategic objectives in through pragmatic navigation of authoritarian transitions and alliance maintenance, with his Asia expertise earning recognition as a cornerstone of sustained bilateral resilience.

References

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