WASHINGTON – The Wilson Center and Kennan Institute family deeply mourn the passing of Ambassador William Green Miller (1931-2019), a statesman of the very highest merit, a scholar and poet, and a humanitarian.
His early career included postings in Iran and in the Secretary of State’s office in Washington. His first posting in Iran was to the American Consulate in Isfahan. He became fascinated with Iranian culture and history. He and his wife, Suzanne, came to know and form friendships with many of the leading families in Isfahan, not only those in local government, but also people in many walks of life.
In a city famous for its handicrafts and fine work in metals, silver, and woods, they were frequent visitors to various shops collecting local handicrafts. Mr. Miller commissioned one of the city’s finest metalworkers to create a replica of a centuries-old astrolabe. He became an advocate for projects intended to preserve and enhance Isfahan’s ancient water resources.
In the assignment that followed, as a diplomat in Tehran, Mr. Miller came to know the younger generation of officials in the government, as well as members of the opposition National Front. Again, the Millers’ circle of friends was extremely wide. Mr. Miller won the trust and confidence of many; and they felt free to engage with him in frank discussions on the issues of the day and politics in Iran. The Miller home was always open – to journalists, economists, writers, intellectuals, officials – and the house seemed always full of these friends, talking and enjoying a drink and good food, and one another’s company.
He later served for over a decade as a senior staff member in the U.S. Senate, where he played an important role in the ratification of the SALT I and ABM treaties. Unique among his colleagues, Mr. Miller worked closely with, and on the staff of, Sen. John Sherman Cooper of Kentucky, a Republican, and then Sen. Frank Church of Idaho, a Democrat. He frequently traveled to the Soviet Union and lived in Moscow from 1988 to 1993, where he witnessed firsthand the end of the Soviet era and the emergence of independent Russia.
As ambassador to Ukraine (in 1993-1998), Mr. Miller engaged many layers of society – from the beekeepers who tended the hives that he added to the Embassy’s back yard to the world-class ballet dancers whom he admired. Ambassador Miller approached Ukraine in its entirety, often appreciating the arts as a profound expression of what was transpiring in the country. Beyond ballet, he carefully recorded Ukrainian hip-hop protest songs and reflected on the hard life of Ukrainian miners in his own poetry. His deep connection with Ukraine gave that country a durable voice in Washington even as he worked to bring American values to Kyiv.
Over the last three decades of his life, after the Iranian Revolution in 1979, Ambassador Miller became deeply involved in Track II diplomacy with Iran, trying to build bridges and greater trust between two countries and cultures he admired so much. His work led to frequent trips and meetings bringing U.S. scientists and religious leaders as well as former officials together with Iranians.
His impact on the course of U.S. relations with Iran, Ukraine, Russia, and the region, his service to our country, and his support for the field of Ukrainian and Russian studies, stand as eternal monuments to this great and very good man.
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The Washington Post’s obituary noted that Ambassador Miller was born in New York City and began his career as a foreign service officer in 1959. He was also a professor and dean at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Massachusetts and a fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
The Post wrote that Ambassador Miller “worked with Ukrainian leaders to draft a new Constitution and helped dismantle strategic nuclear missile systems in the country.”
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It should also be noted that Ambassador Miller maintained a keen interest in Ukraine and served on the board of directors of the Washington-based U.S.-Ukraine Foundation. He was also an original member of the USUF’s Friends of Ukraine Network.
Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) paid tribute to the ambassador in the House of Representatives on October 11. She noted: “He dedicated his life at liberty’s edge with great humility. His steady, unselfish, and tenacious nature allowed him to tackle infinitely complex situations – Iran, the Soviet Union, Ukraine – and advise ways forward. He never really retired and remained engaged and insightful during his golden years. A renaissance man, Ambassador Miller’s career spanned assignment in Iran, staff director of the Senate Intelligence Committee, senior administrator and professor at Tufts University, chairman of the board of the Kyiv Mohyla Foundation, and president of the American Committee on U.S.-Soviet Relations. Upon leaving Congress, the U.S. Senate recognized his leadership by passing a special resolution commending him for ‘contributions and for his dedication, loyalty, integrity, and service.’”
Ambassador Miller died on September 22 at his home in Alexandria, Va. The funeral service was held on October 7 at The Washington National Cathedral.