The next president, whether Democrat or Republican, will face the task of managing America's relationships and credibility in an increasingly complex world. In her new book Memo to the President Elect: How We Can Restore America’s Reputation and Leadership (HarperCollins 2008), former secretary of state and Georgetown University Mortara Distinguished Professor of Diplomacy Madeleine Albright offers ideas about how to confront the striking array of challenges that the next commander-in-chief will face.

Much more than a set of policy prescriptions, Albright's writing blends lessons from the past with forward-looking suggestions about how to assemble a first-rate foreign policy team, anticipate the actions of other key countries, make full use of presidential power without within limits, and revive America's commitment to its founding ideals.

“We Americans like to think of ourselves as exemplars of generosity and virtue, but to many people in many places, we are selfish, imperious, and violent,” Albright advises the next president in her book. “The voters will want you to transform this perception while also protecting us, defeating our enemies, and securing our economic future…”

Albright's advice is candid – as conveyed in a confidential memo – and seasoned with humor and personal stories. Drawing on her extensive experience as an advisor to two presidents and a key figure in four presidential transitions, she provides an insider's analysis of U.S. options in addressing the decisive issues of our era: terrorism, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, rivalries in the Middle East, the potential for nuclear war, and headaches created by such troublesome leaders as Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Russia's Vladimir Putin, Venezuela's Hugo Chávez, and North Korea's Kim Jong-il.

Memo to the President Elect offers guidance for the next occupant of the White House – and insights for voters to think about before deciding who that person will be.

Madeleine Albright served as U.S. secretary of state from 1997 to 2001. Her distinguished career in government includes positions in the National Security Council and as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Memo to the President Elect joins Albright's two other books, Madam Secretary and The Mighty and the Almighty: Reflections on America, God, and World Affairs, as New York Times bestsellers. She is the founder of the Albright Group LLC and Albright Capital Management LLC, chairman of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, president of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, and the Michael and Virginia Mortara Endowed Distinguished Professor at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.

(March 27, 2008)