U.N. Ambassador and National Security Adviser

Susan Rice | Biography

American diplomat, policy advisor, and public official

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : February 23, 2025

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Who is Susan Rice?

Susan Elizabeth Rice, born on November 17, 1964, in Washington, D.C., is a prominent American diplomat and policy adviser, notably serving as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and later as the National Security Adviser under President Barack Obama. With her academic credentials, which include a bachelor's degree from Stanford University and advanced degrees from the University of Oxford, Rice demonstrated an early commitment to international relations and diplomacy. Throughout her career, she has been a trailblazer in a male-dominated field, becoming one of the youngest assistant secretaries of state for African affairs during the Bill Clinton administration.

Rice's extensive experience in foreign policy has shaped her reputation as a capable and influential leader. During her tenure as U.N. Ambassador, she was known for her interventionist policies, advocating for military action in Libya and sanctions against countries like Iran and North Korea. However, her tenure was not without controversy; her initial response to the 2012 Benghazi attack sparked widespread criticism. Subsequently, as National Security Adviser, she played a crucial role in addressing complex global issues, including the fight against ISIS and challenges posed by Russia and China. Today, Susan Rice continues to impact global policy discussions, serving on the board of Netflix and remaining a relevant voice in American politics.

Early Life and Education

Susan Elizabeth Rice was born on November 17, 1964, in Washington, D.C., into a family well-acquainted with politics and foreign policy. Her father, Emmett J. Rice, was a professor of economics at Cornell University and served on the Federal Reserve Board, while her mother, Lois Dickson Fitt, was an education policy researcher at the Brookings Institution. Growing up, Susan was exposed to influential personalities and discussions on global affairs, which shaped her interest in diplomacy from a young age. This supportive environment encouraged her academic and extracurricular pursuits throughout her schooling.

Rice attended the National Cathedral School, where she excelled academically, ultimately serving as her class valedictorian and president of the student council. She was also an accomplished athlete, shining as the point guard on the basketball team. After high school, she pursued higher education at Stanford University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in history in 1986. Her college years were marked by notable achievements, including being named a Harry S. Truman Scholar and a Rhodes Scholar. These honors reflected her commitment to international affairs and social justice, as seen in her activism against apartheid in South Africa. Following Stanford, she continued her education at the University of Oxford, where she earned both M.Phil and D.Phil in international relations, further solidifying her expert status in diplomacy.

Diplomatic Career Start

Susan Rice's diplomatic career began in earnest when she joined the National Security Council (NSC) under President Bill Clinton in 1993. Initially appointed as the director of international organizations and peacekeeping, she found herself confronted with significant global challenges, most notably during her visit to Rwanda amidst the genocide in 1994. This horrifying experience shaped her resolve and dedication to humanitarian and foreign policy work. Rice's passion for international affairs and her firsthand encounters with the consequences of political negligence solidified her commitment to making a difference through diplomacy.

In 1995, she advanced to the role of special assistant to the president and senior director for African affairs. Her advocacy for African interests became integral to U.S. foreign policy. Rice's impressive capabilities and insights caught the attention of key figures in the administration, including her mentor, Madeline Albright. By 1997, she was appointed assistant secretary of state for African affairs, making her one of the youngest people ever to hold such a prominent position. Despite facing skepticism due to her youth and gender, Rice's assertive demeanor and strategic thinking allowed her to navigate complex political landscapes effectively.

Achievements in Government Appointments

Susan Rice's ascent in the U.S. government is marked by significant appointments and achievements, particularly in international diplomacy. In 1997, she made history by becoming one of the youngest assistant secretaries of state for African affairs, a role in which she effectively navigated complex geopolitical issues. Her unyielding dedication was evident during her response to the 1998 terrorist bombings in Tanzania and Kenya, where she was pivotal in addressing rising concerns surrounding the extremist group Al Qaeda. Rice's direct approach earned her respect, enabling her to foster productive relationships with foreign leaders, despite skepticism about her youth and gender.

In 2009, Rice was appointed as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, making her the first African American woman to hold the position. This role saw her advocating for U.S. interests on an international stage, successfully pushing for U.N. sanctions against nations such as Iran and North Korea and authorizing military interventions in Libya. Though her tenure was not without controversy, particularly regarding the aftermath of the Benghazi attack in 2012, Rice's influence remained strong. Her career culminated with her appointment as National Security Adviser in 2013, where she coordinated the U.S. response to critical global challenges, including the rise of ISIS and geopolitical tensions with Russia and China.

Brookings Fellow to U.N. Ambassador

Susan Rice's journey from academia to high-profile government positions highlights her deep commitment to international affairs. After completing her education at Stanford and the University of Oxford, Rice initially worked at McKinsey & Company as an international management consultant. This experience laid the groundwork for her subsequent public service career, beginning in 1993 when she joined the National Security Council under President Bill Clinton. Her expertise in African affairs during this formative period proved invaluable, particularly during pivotal events such as the Rwandan genocide. Rice's forthright approach and ability to navigate difficult diplomatic waters soon garnered her respect, ultimately leading to her appointment as the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs in 1997.

In 2002, Rice transitioned to a senior fellow role at the Brookings Institution, where she specialized in U.S. foreign policy and transnational security threats. Her impactful research and analysis attracted the attention of then-Senator Barack Obama, who engaged her as a senior foreign policy adviser during his 2008 presidential campaign. Following Obama’s election, she made history by becoming the United States Ambassador to the United Nations on January 22, 2009, marking her as the first African American woman in this critical role. During her tenure, Rice exhibited a strong interventionist stance, successfully advocating for U.N. sanctions against Iran and military action in Libya, which illustrated her capability to influence global policy on significant issues.

National Security Adviser Tenure

In June 2013, Susan Rice was appointed as the National Security Adviser by President Barack Obama, succeeding Tom Donilon. Her confirmation marked a significant milestone in her career, as she became a key figure in shaping U.S. foreign policy at a time of intricate global challenges. Rice approached her new role with a deep commitment to protecting national interests and fostering international stability, overseeing critical issues such as the fight against ISIS, the civil war in Syria, and heightened tensions with Russia, particularly after its annexation of Crimea.

Rice's influence within the Obama administration was substantial; she aligned closely with the president's strategic vision, especially regarding military deployment in the Middle East. Under her guidance, the national security apparatus focused on containment strategies, particularly regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions, while striving to collaborate with allies and build effective coalitions for shared objectives. Her ability to navigate complex diplomatic terrains and coordinate military responses during this turbulent period demonstrated her adeptness as a seasoned diplomat and leader in national security affairs.

Leaking Controversy and Donald Trump

In the wake of her tenure as national security adviser, Susan Rice found herself embroiled in controversy amid ongoing investigations into Russian interference during the 2016 U.S. presidential election. In April 2017, President Donald Trump publicly accused Rice of “wiretapping” and called her out for leaking the identities of Americans who were inadvertently surveilled during the monitoring of foreign officials. This accusation thrust Rice into the political spotlight once again, as she faced scrutiny from both political rivals and the media.

Responding strongly to these allegations, Rice categorically denied any wrongdoing, asserting that any actions she took as national security adviser were well within her responsibilities. In an interview on MSNBC, she explained that the characterizations surrounding her actions were baseless and emphasized that the notion of her using intelligence for political purposes was “absolutely false.” Rice's intense response reflected her determination to uphold her professional integrity amid politically charged accusations, further positioning her as a significant figure in the ongoing dialogue about surveillance and intelligence in government.

Netflix Board Membership

In March 2018, Susan Rice joined the board of directors for Netflix, marking a significant transition from her extensive public service career into the corporate sector. This appointment aligned with the streaming giant's ongoing efforts to diversify its leadership and enhance its strategic direction amidst fierce competition in the entertainment industry. Netflix co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings expressed his enthusiasm for Rice's addition, highlighting her extensive experience in tackling complex global issues with intelligence and integrity. Her insights were seen as invaluable to Netflix's mission of creating compelling content while navigating the evolving landscape of media consumption.

Rice’s board membership at Netflix not only signifies her influence and credibility but also underscores the growing intersection of politics, media, and technology. As a seasoned diplomat and former national security adviser, she brings a unique perspective to the boardroom. Her experience dealing with international relations and geopolitical concerns is expected to inform Netflix's global strategy, especially as the platform expands its presence in international markets. This role aligns with her commitment to addressing critical issues through storytelling and media, allowing her to continue shaping narratives at a global scale.

Moreover, Rice’s appointment coincided with a wave of initiatives by Netflix to collaborate with high-profile figures, including Barack and Michelle Obama, who were discussing original content production for the platform. This connection further emphasizes the blending of media with influential political narratives. As a board member, Rice's contributions are anticipated to help steer Netflix in addressing the complexities of content creation in a politically charged environment, thus influencing a new era in entertainment with her seasoned diplomacy and insight.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Susan Rice is married to Ian Cameron, a Canadian television producer who previously worked for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The couple tied the knot on September 12, 1992, in a ceremony that blended their cultural backgrounds and values. Ian's career in media and production has complemented Rice's own journey in public service, allowing them to support each other's professional endeavors. Together, they navigate the challenges of their respective careers while maintaining a family life centered on education and public service values.

The couple has two children, whose identities have been kept relatively private in order to shield them from public scrutiny. Rice and Cameron have instilled in their children the importance of education and civic engagement, drawing from their own experiences and the legacy of their families. The family resides in Washington, D.C., where they participate in community initiatives and support educational programs. Rice’s commitment to her family mirrors her dedication to her career, illustrating the balance she seeks in her roles as a mother, wife, and prominent political figure.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary

Susan Rice, a prominent figure in American politics and diplomacy, has had a distinguished career that significantly contributes to her net worth and earnings. As the United States ambassador to the United Nations during the Obama administration and later as national security adviser, her high-ranking positions came with substantial salaries. While specific figures for her government salary are not publicly disclosed, it is known that U.S. ambassadors and national security advisers earn comfortable salaries, typically in the six-figure range. Additionally, Rice's experience and expertise have allowed her to secure lucrative positions in the private sector, including her recent role on the board of directors at Netflix.

In terms of net worth, estimates suggest that Susan Rice's financial portfolio has grown through her various roles in government and the private sector. Her tenure at prominent think tanks like the Brookings Institution and her consulting work add to her financial standing. Furthermore, her involvement in high-profile speaking engagements and advisory roles in various organizations also contribute to her earnings. As of recent assessments, her net worth is estimated to be in the multi-million dollar range, reflecting her successful career spanning public service, academia, and corporate appointments.