Public Remarks

FDR Conference "The New Deal's Lessons for Modern Russia and Contemporary World"

William J. Burns, U.S. Ambassador to Russia

MGIMO — Russian MFA University, February 08, 2007

(As Prepared)

Dear Mr. Surkov. Dear Mr. Torkunov. Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is an honor to participate in this important conference. This year we celebrate the 200th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and America. I cannot think of a better moment to reflect on the legacy of one of America's greatest Presidents, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who led our country through one of the most crucial periods in its history, and in the history of the entire world. And I cannot think of a better place to hold such a conference than MGIMO, one of the most prestigious institutions of diplomatic education in the world today.

When I thought of what I might say to you this evening, I was reminded first of all of Roosevelt's wise advice on public speaking: "Be sincere, be brief, and be seated." So, in honor of Roosevelt, I promise not to be long-winded.

For Russians, Roosevelt will always be remembered as the American President who worked so hard for the success of our partnership against Fascism during the Second World War, or the Great Patriotic War. For Americans, Roosevelt will also always be remembered as the President who saved our democracy from the chaos of the Great Depression. Without his vision and leadership, America might not have survived the most serious economic and social threats that our country has ever faced.

When Franklin Roosevelt became President in 1933, the rate of unemployment in America was nearly 30 percent. Three million people were homeless. Industrial production had fallen by more than 60 percent in three years. Agricultural production had fallen by nearly as much. The banking system had collapsed. Never had our economic and political institutions been under greater pressure, and never had there been a greater feeling of hopelessness among Americans.

Roosevelt understood that the country's immediate priorities were relief and recovery, the recreation of jobs, and the restoration of hope. In those missions he succeeded brilliantly. But he also understood that reformed and strengthened institutions were the long-term key to rebuilding our prosperity and our confidence. Other countries in this era turned to dictators and demagogues to rescue them from economic and social collapse; the genius of Roosevelt was his understanding of the need to build national recovery not around personalities, but around institutions. "The greatness of America is grounded in principles and institutions," Roosevelt said, "not in any single personality."

And so even as he led a national effort to create jobs and ease a humanitarian crisis, Roosevelt established the long-term basis for effective and just regulation of our market economy. The banking system was totally reformed. The power of big business was limited. The Social Security Administration created an enduring social safety net for every American, especially the less fortunate. The Tennessee Valley Authority ensured a long-term commitment to building the infrastructure of a modern economy. The rule of law was strengthened. The institutions of democracy and the market were adapted and improved. Checks and balances were preserved, and reinforced.

It is important to remember that Roosevelt was often constrained by some of those same checks and balances. His efforts to change the composition of the Supreme Court were defeated in 1937. The Congress limited some of his most ambitious programs, especially in his second term. Vigorous freedom of expression ensured that few of his actions were free from criticism, or at least active debate.

The New Deal was America's pathway out of the Great Depression. It enabled America to become the powerful ally that together with Russia defeated Hitler. And, perhaps most importantly, it created and strengthened the democratic institutions — the rule of law, and checks and balances — that have produced decades of prosperity and social progress for Americans. We have many problems still to conquer, but the legacy of Franklin Roosevelt has left us the institutions that will be the key to future success.

Thank you again for your kind invitation. I wish you great success in this conference, and in all of your endeavors.