Kirkpatrick, Jeane Duane Jordan

Kirkpatrick, Jeane Duane Jordan kûrkpăˈtrĭk, kûrpăˈ– [key], 1926–2006, U.S. public official, b. Duncan, Okla. Originally a Democrat, she was professor of political science (1967–1980, 1986–2002) at Georgetown Univ. when President Reagan chose her (1981–85) to be the U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations. There she gained a reputation for independent thought and pointed advocacy of U.S. positions, often criticizing the United Nations itself. Upon leaving the United Nations, she became a Republican and returned to teaching at Georgetown. She also served on several government commissions and was associated with the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative thinktank, from 1978 until her death. Among her books are Political Women (1974) and Dictatorships and Double Standards (1982).

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