William J. Burns has a storied career in American diplomacy, a journey that began with the U.S. Foreign Service and culminated in his current role as the 18th Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. His tenure in the Foreign Service spanned 32 years, during which he held several key positions. These include serving as the United States Deputy Secretary of State from 2011 to 2014, acting United States Secretary of State for a day in 2009, and ambassador to both Jordan and Russia. Burns' diplomatic expertise was further honed through his presidency of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace from 2014 to 2021.

Burns' impressive academic credentials include a BA from La Salle University and MPhil and DPhil degrees in international relations from St. John's College, Oxford. His understanding of international relations was not restricted to the theoretical realm; his career saw him leading the secret bilateral channel with Iran that resulted in the Iran nuclear deal, playing a pivotal role in discussions with Taliban leader Abdul Ghani Baradar regarding the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, and warning of a potential full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2021. His academic contributions also extend to the publishing world, with his memoir "The Back Channel: A Memoir of American Diplomacy and the Case for Its Renewal" and several articles on international relations and diplomacy.

Burns' work has been recognized with several awards, including three Presidential Distinguished Service Awards and multiple Department of State awards. In 2013, he was named Foreign Policy's "Diplomat of the Year". He has received honorary doctoral degrees and is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Despite his numerous accolades, Burns' career has not been without controversy. Burns' extensive experience and deep understanding of international relations make him a significant figure in American diplomacy.

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