James S. Denton

Who is James S. Denton?

James Denton is the publisher and editor of World Affairs and the director of the World Affairs Institute in Washington, D.C. Previously Denton was the executive director of Heldref Publications, founded by Jeane J. Kirkpatrick and her husband Evron.

Denton was the executive director of Freedom House from 1997 to 2001, and the president of the National Forum Foundation from 1984 to 1997. He negotiated and directed the merger of the two organizations in June 1997.

He designed, developed, and implemented a portfolio of democratization programs that were active in over 30 countries, mostly in the former communist bloc. In addition, he launched a US-supported grant-making program in Eastern Europe to enhance the competence and influence of emerging human rights groups, independent media and think tanks.

He was awarded the Merit of Order by the President of Romania, a special commendation from the Polish government, as well as a commendation from the Coordinating Group of the Serbian Opposition for his support of their successful effort to overthrow Slobodan Milosevic.