Mac Destler, a leading expert on foreign policy and University of Maryland School of Public Policy professor emeritus, died March 27 at his home in Boston.
Destler joined the faculty in 1987, a few years shy of the School's establishment, but quickly defined himself as a founding member. He came to the School with decades of experience in government and international think tanks, having served in the Peace Corps, on the staff of Senator Walter Mondale (D-MN), and at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and with stints at the Brookings Institution, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and the Peterson Institute for International Economics. He brought this wealth of knowledge and experience to us, and generations of students, colleagues, and researchers benefited greatly from the generosity with which he shared his time and talents.
In his 38 years with SPP, Destler was instrumental in building and leading the School. His leadership and impact included leading the Program on Public Policy and Private Enterprise as well as CISSM for eight years each, the PhD program and the ISEP specialization, and serving as interim dean on two separate occasions. He championed activities around leadership and democracy as the Saul I. Stern Professor of Civic Engagement, and anchored our work on foreign policy both through his own scholarship and his decade of directorship of the Maryland seminar on U.S. foreign policymaking.
Destler was a highly prolific and influential researcher, solo-authoring five book, co-authoring nine, and publishing 38 academic articles and more than 70 other contributions to book chapters, policy reports and popular media. His award-winning book, "American Trade Politics," is now in its fourth edition and has been recognized by the American Political Science Association and Peterson Institute for its contributions to American foreign policy. He spent decades as one of the go-to American scholars on national trade and national security policy, and was widely sought after for testimony, lectures, committee service and public commentary.
On behalf of the entire University of Maryland community, the School of Public Policy extends our deepest sympathies to Mac’s family, friends and colleagues. We welcome community members to share condolences and remembrances in the comments below.
Comments
Deep Condolence
Submitted by Shibley Telhami (not verified) on Mon, 03/31/2025 - 12:52
I am heartbroken hearing the news of Mac's passing. Mac was no ordinary colleague and friend. He was a star among star, an outstanding citizen, a supportive colleague, and a wonderful, caring, human being. His contributions to the field and to the University community in particular were hard to match. He influenced me from the outset: He served on the committee that recruited to Maryland in 1997 and was one reason I found the position attractive. He was supportive through out the decade, personally and professionally. May he rest in peace. I will miss him.In praise of Mac
Submitted by Derek Boyd (not verified) on Mon, 03/31/2025 - 13:15
As an amateur addressing professionals, I feel a bit unqualified as a scholar, but moved from personal experience in writing in praise of Mac. I listened to him many times. I chatted with him many times. I was enchanted by the breadth and depth of his analysis. He achieved so much but was humble and modest. A very special man indeed.My condolences!
Submitted by Susan Xu (not verified) on Mon, 03/31/2025 - 14:48
I was sad to hear it! I was lucky to study trade policy with Mac and have him supervise my dissertation. Every time I read his award-winning book, "American Trade Politics", it deepens my understanding in the field. May Mac's knowledge and wisdom continue to guide his students, including me. My heart goes out to Mac's family in this time of sorrow. My condolences!Condolences
Submitted by Khushali Shah Shah (not verified) on Thu, 04/03/2025 - 17:27
I am saddened to hear of Professor Destler’s passing. My condolences to his family and friends.Condolences
Submitted by David R. Segal (not verified) on Fri, 04/04/2025 - 12:24
I was greatly saddened to learn of Mac's passing. He was a true friend and valued colleague, particularly to those of us who were affiliated with CISSM from outside SPP. His service as CISSM Director defined a period of increasing breadth and impact.A scholar and a gentleman
Submitted by Sean Lowry (not verified) on Sat, 04/12/2025 - 16:43
Professor Destler was an inspiration and critical pillar of my MSPP experience. I had the privilege of taking multiple classes with him, serving as his research assistant, and working as a trade policy research analyst at the Peterson Institute part time while in grad school. He was an engaging lecturer, appreciated the insights and energy that students brought to the classroom, and was always happy to hear about our professional and personal accomplishments. His influence and impact will certainly resonate for years to come.My Condolences
Submitted by Jean Yuan (not verified) on Sat, 04/19/2025 - 15:39
I am deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Mac. I had the honor of having him as the advisor of my Ph.D. dissertation, and I learned so much from him about American trade policymaking and international political economy in general—knowledge that remains highly relevant to my work today. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.Add new comment