In Memoriam: Clovis Maksoud, JD '51

The renowned scholar, journalist, and diplomat passed away in May at the age of 89.

June 30, 2016

Clovis Maksoud, JD '51, speaking at the law school in 2009.

Clovis Maksoud, JD '51, a scholar, journalist, and prominent diplomat passed away in May at the age of 89.

Mr. Maksoud was born in Oklahoma to Lebanese parents in 1926. He graduated from the American University in Beirut in 1948 with a degree in political science and then moved back to the United States to study at GW Law.

He is best known for the diplomatic positions that he held with the Arab League: He was the Chief Representative of the then "League of Arab States" in India from 1961-1966 and a Special Envoy to the United States in 1974. In 1979, he served a dual role of observer at the United Nations and Chief Representative in Washington, D.C. He held those posts until 1990 when he resigned after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.

"While he was known for his mastery of the politics of the Middle East, Clovis will also be remembered for his love of people. A luncheon or dinner with Clovis was always a festive occasion with artists, poets, politicians, and academics."

– Susan L. Karamanian, Associate Dean for International and Comparative Legal Studies; Burnett Family Professorial Lecturer in International and Comparative Law and Policy

Susan Karamanian Profiles Clovis Maksoud

After his retirement in 2013, he taught up the road from GW Law as a Professor of International Relations at American University. A lifelong scholar, Mr. Maksoud often shared his expertise in the media, including regular appearances in The Washington Post and the New York Times. He also served as a senior editor of Al Ahram, the Egyptian Daily newspaper.

"Clovis was dedicated to Arab unity. In his lifetime he saw many challenges to this aim yet he never wavered in his commitment," said Associate Dean Susan Karamanian.

"While he was known for his mastery of the politics of the Middle East, Clovis will also be remembered for his love of people. A luncheon or dinner with Clovis was always a festive occasion with artists, poets, politicians, and academics. Invariably he would mention his time at GW Law and the fact that as a student he was able to work for U.S. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas, with whom he developed a close friendship."