Clements Center For National Security

“Let us never send the President of the United States to the conference table as the head of the second strongest nation in the world.” – Deputy Secretary of Defense Bill Clements, 1973 The William P. Clements, Jr. Center for National Security at The University of Texas at Austin draws on the best insights of diplomatic and military history to train the next generation of national security leaders. Established in 2013 with the support of distinguished policymakers and scholars, the Clements Center is a nonpartisan research and policy center uniquely positioned in the Office of the President. The Clements Center honors former Texas Governor Bill Clements and his leadership on national security during his service as Deputy Secretary of Defense from 1973-77. Clements managed the Pentagon and helped guide American national security policy during a critical time. He brought a deep appreciation for history to every aspect of his leadership, policies, and decision-making. The Clements Center carries forward Bill Clements’ legacy by: -Teaching students how to integrate the wisdom of history with current challenges in national security and prepare for careers as policymakers and scholars; -Supporting research on history, strategy, and national security policy; and -Convening scholars and policymakers to improve our understanding of history, statecraft, and national security.