Page 23 - Priorities #48 2011-January/February

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SMB: How many languages do you know?
AK: At one point many moons ago, I was pretty fluent in French, Italian, Spanish, and Russia. Today, those romance languages are pretty rusty, but I have maintained and improved Russian over the years.
SMB: How did your experiences at the Priory help shape your passions in your career and personal life?
AK: The Priory played a major role in my development because of the internationalist and humanistic perspective the founding Hungarian fathers brought to the school. Probably the two most influential classes and teachers were Western Civilization taught by Father Egon, and Philosophy taught by Father Christopher.
SMB: What advice would you give students interested in a career in politics or foreign policy? What advice would you give parents who have children interested in politics and foreign policy?
AK: Travel a lot and learn languages! Most Americans do not think they have an aptitude for foreign languages, and I probably would havethoughtthesameaboutmyselfuntilIstudiedRussian. Youdo need, however, a powerful incentive, and to spend time in country to really learn the language. Once I learned Russian, I found learning other languages relatively easy, and I am convinced that the main reason for that is overcoming the psychological barrier that I did not supposedly have a gift for languages. Au contraire!
SMB: What kind of impact does your work in foreign policy have on shaping US policy?
AK: It is hard to draw a direct line between the work we do outside of government with actual policy decisions. Certainly the books and articles we write help to inform public debate about important policy issues. Also, since we are literally “outside of the box” of government, we have more incentives to independent and creative thinking. And since we are not responsible for day-to-day policy, we have the luxury of thinking more long-term and, I think, strategically.
SMB: What did you enjoy most about your experience at the Priory and do you have a favorite memory?
AK: At first I was not enthusiastic about going to the Priory since nobody from my 8th grade graduating class was going. I had always been in co-ed public schools, so the all-boy thing was not attractive. But, I think the learning experience was unique; small classes, individual attention. Also, since it was and is a small school, you can do a lot of different things. I was very active in sports, student government, drama, etc. The Priory is also located in one of the most beautiful places on the planet, so looking out the window and daydreaming was pretty excellent also!
SMB: What do you believe is the most serious issue facing the human race today? (in foreign policy or otherwise).
AK: Wow, another tough question! So many massive problems to choose from! I guess today, after an extremely hot summer in Washington and lots of extreme weather around the world this year, I am most worried about the impact of climate change on the planet and our capacity to manage it over the course of this century.
SMB: What are some of your personal goals in your life?
AK: There are many goals, but retirement is not one of them. Leaders in my field like Henry Kissinger, Zbig Brzezinski, Brent Scowcrot, Bill Perry and many others stay very active into their 80s (at least!).
SMB: Outside of your work in foreign policy, what do you enjoy doing?
AK: I have always loved sports; now I watch my kids, play golf, ski, and still passionately root for the Bay Area teams.
SMB: Do you have a favorite quote?
AK: “Better fewer, but better,” Vladimir Lenin. I think it applies to many aspects of life.
SMB: Who has been the biggest influence in your life and why?
AK: Impossible to say who has been biggest influence, but certainly the Priory housed several key ones.
Dr. Andrew Kuchins serves as a model for younger generations interested in making the world a better place through international relations and politics. Dr. Andrew Kuchins is fine example of the Priory’s mission of “assisting students in becoming lifelong learners and stewards who will productively serve a world in need of their gifts.”