Reginald Bartholomew

Reginald Bartholomew (February 17, 1936 – August 26, 2012) was an American diplomat who served as U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon (1983–1986), Spain (1986–1989), and Italy (1993–1997). He was also a member of the American Academy of Diplomacy and Council on Foreign Relations. Additionally, he was also a member of the United States National Security Council staff (1977–1979).

Education and early career Bartholomew earned a bachelor's degree in history and political science from Dartmouth College in 1958 and a master's degree in political science from the University of Chicago. While there, he met and befriended current President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, Leslie H. Gelb, then a fellow instructor. In 1967, Gelb left to work as a policy adviser at the Pentagon, persuading Bartholomew to join him the following year. Both occupied various departments in different roles, with Bartholomew working at the National Security Council during the Carter administration and later succeeding Gelb as the director of politico-military affairs at the State Department.

Diplomatic career Prior to his first ambassadorship, Bartholomew spent 15 years advising presidents and secretaries of state, most notably playing a key role in the SALT II arms limitation talks with the Soviet Union in 1979.