William Cohen

William Cohen
Born	William Sebastian Cohen 28 8, 1940
Birthplace	Bangor, Maine, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Politician, lawyer, author, consultant
Known for	20th United States Secretary of Defense; U.S. Senator from Maine (1979–1997); U.S. Representative from Maine (1973–1979)
Education	Bowdoin College (BA) Boston University (LLB)
Children	2
Awards	Presidential Medal of Freedom (proposed but not confirmed in sources)

William Sebastian Cohen (born August 28, 1940) is an American politician, lawyer, author, and business consultant who served in a range of senior government positions over a career spanning nearly three decades. A Republican from Maine, Cohen represented the state's 2nd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1973 to 1979, served as a United States Senator from 1979 to 1997, and capped his public service career as the 20th United States Secretary of Defense from 1997 to 2001 under Democratic President Bill Clinton — a notable cross-party appointment that reflected both Cohen's reputation for bipartisan cooperation and the political pragmatism of the Clinton administration. Journalist David Halberstam described Cohen as "a Republican moderate from Maine" and "something of a maverick centrist," a characterization borne out by his willingness to work across the political aisle throughout his career. After leaving the Pentagon, Cohen founded The Cohen Group, a strategic consulting firm in Washington, D.C., and has remained active as a commentator on defense and foreign policy matters.

Early Life

William Sebastian Cohen was born on August 28, 1940, in Bangor, Maine. His father, Reuben Cohen, was of Russian Jewish descent and owned a bakery in Bangor; his mother, Clara Cohen (née Hartley), was of Irish Protestant background. Cohen's mixed religious heritage — Jewish and Protestant — shaped his identity and gave him a distinctive perspective in a state that was overwhelmingly white and largely Protestant. Growing up in Bangor, he was exposed to the realities of small-city life in northern New England, and the community values of the region influenced his pragmatic, moderate political outlook.

Clara Cohen, William's mother, remained a presence in his life and in Maine public consciousness for decades. She died in May 2008. Cohen has spoken publicly about the influence of both parents on his character and career, noting the blend of cultures that defined his household.

Cohen was an accomplished student and athlete during his youth in Bangor. He attended Bangor High School, where he distinguished himself academically and in athletics, particularly basketball. His physical stature and competitive nature would later serve him well in politics, where he developed a reputation for personal discipline and preparedness.

Education

Cohen pursued his undergraduate studies at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. At Bowdoin, he was a member of the Phi Sigma Iota fraternity and later became one of its distinguished alumni. He then attended Boston University School of Law, where he earned his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. After completing his legal education, Cohen returned to Maine to practice law in Bangor, establishing himself in the local legal community before turning to politics.

Career

Early Political Career and Local Government

Before entering national politics, Cohen served on the Bangor City Council and as mayor of Bangor. These local government roles provided him with foundational experience in governance and constituent relations, and established his name recognition in Maine politics. His service as mayor of one of Maine's larger cities demonstrated his ability to manage municipal affairs and engage with a diverse range of policy issues at the local level.

U.S. House of Representatives (1973–1979)

In 1972, Cohen won election to the United States House of Representatives, representing Maine's 2nd congressional district. He took office on January 3, 1973, at the age of 32. His arrival in Congress coincided with a transformative period in American politics, and Cohen quickly made a name for himself as a thoughtful and independent-minded legislator.

One of the defining moments of Cohen's early career came during the Watergate scandal. As a freshman member of the House Judiciary Committee, Cohen was one of the Republicans who voted in favor of articles of impeachment against President Richard Nixon in 1974. This decision required considerable political courage for a young Republican congressman and established Cohen's reputation as a lawmaker willing to place principle above party loyalty. His vote on the impeachment articles drew national attention and cemented his image as an independent voice within the Republican Party.

Cohen served three terms in the House before successfully running for the United States Senate in 1978. During his tenure in the House, he focused on issues related to defense, foreign policy, and government accountability, laying the groundwork for his later career as a defense policymaker.

U.S. Senate (1979–1997)

Cohen was elected to the United States Senate in 1978, defeating incumbent Democratic Senator William Hathaway. He took office on January 3, 1979, and would serve three full terms in the Senate, spanning nearly two decades of American political life.

In the Senate, Cohen continued to establish himself as a centrist Republican, often working with Democrats on legislation. He served on several important committees, including the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Senate Intelligence Committee, and the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, which he chaired from January 5, 1981, to January 3, 1983. He also served as Chair of the Senate Special Committee on Aging from January 4, 1995, to January 3, 1997.

Cohen's work on the Armed Services and Intelligence committees gave him deep expertise in defense and national security matters. He became known as one of the Senate's leading voices on military policy, nuclear arms control, and intelligence oversight. His nuanced understanding of these issues made him a respected figure among colleagues in both parties and within the defense establishment.

Throughout his Senate career, Cohen maintained his reputation for independence. He was among the Senate Republicans most willing to break with party orthodoxy, particularly on social and environmental issues. This tendency earned him both admirers and critics within the Republican Party, but it was consistent with the political tradition of moderate Republicanism that had long been prominent in New England and particularly in Maine.

Cohen chose not to seek re-election in 1996 and was succeeded by Republican Susan Collins, who has continued to hold the seat.

In addition to his legislative work, Cohen was also a published author during his time in the Senate. He wrote both fiction and non-fiction, including poetry and novels, an unusual avocation for a sitting senator. His literary interests reflected an intellectual breadth that distinguished him from many of his colleagues.

Secretary of Defense (1997–2001)

On December 5, 1996, President Bill Clinton nominated William Cohen to serve as the 20th United States Secretary of Defense, a historic cross-party appointment. Clinton's decision to select a Republican senator for the post was seen as both a gesture of bipartisanship and a recognition of Cohen's deep expertise in defense matters. The nomination was received positively in the Senate, and Cohen was confirmed with broad bipartisan support, taking office on January 24, 1997.

The Washington Post described Cohen at the time of his appointment as "an outsider set to take over the Pentagon," noting his unusual position as a departing Republican senator entering a Democratic administration. The New York Times characterized him as "a bipartisan voice," highlighting the qualities that made him an attractive choice for a president seeking to depoliticize national defense during his second term.

As Secretary of Defense, Cohen oversaw the United States military during a period that included significant overseas engagements and evolving security challenges. His tenure at the Pentagon was marked by several notable events and policy decisions:

Military Operations and Engagements: Cohen presided over U.S. military operations during a period of continuing post-Cold War instability. The Department of Defense under his leadership was involved in military operations in the Balkans, including the NATO bombing campaign against Yugoslavia in 1999 during the Kosovo conflict. He also oversaw the U.S. military response to the 1998 embassy bombings in East Africa, which foreshadowed the growing threat of international terrorism.

Relations with Military Leadership: Cohen maintained what was described as an "almost ideal" collaboration with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reflecting his deep respect for military professionals and his years of experience on the Senate Armed Services Committee. His working relationship with President Clinton and National Security Adviser Sandy Berger was also described as very good, an achievement given the inherent challenges of a cross-party appointment.

Tensions with State Department: Cohen's tenure was not without friction within the administration. He often clashed with Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, whom he reportedly regarded as "a grandstander, too outspoken on policy matters, and too eager to use military force." This tension reflected broader debates within the Clinton administration about the appropriate use of American military power in the post-Cold War era.

Khobar Towers Accountability: During his time as Secretary, Cohen addressed the aftermath of the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia, which had occurred before he took office. He denied a promotion to Air Force Brigadier General Terryl J. Schwalier, who had been the commander at Dhahran at the time of the attack. Cohen stated at a Pentagon briefing that Schwalier was "not being made a scapegoat, he is being held accountable," underscoring his commitment to military accountability.

Bipartisan Defense Leadership: A 2025 Time magazine essay reflected on Cohen's significance as a Republican serving a Democratic president, noting that "when partisanship threatened to politicize the military in the Clinton years, a Republican helped maintain the military's legitimacy." This framing positioned Cohen's service as an important precedent for non-partisan military governance.

Cohen served as Secretary of Defense until January 20, 2001, when he was succeeded by Donald Rumsfeld following the inauguration of President George W. Bush. His deputy secretaries during his tenure included John Hamre and Rudy de Leon.

Post-Government Career

After leaving the Department of Defense in 2001, Cohen founded The Cohen Group, a Washington, D.C.-based international business consulting firm. The firm leverages Cohen's extensive experience in government, defense, and international affairs to advise corporations and foreign governments on strategic matters. The Cohen Group has worked with clients across multiple sectors, including defense, technology, and energy.

Cohen has also remained active as a media commentator and analyst on defense and foreign policy issues. He joined BBC News as a world affairs analyst, providing commentary on international security developments.

In recent years, Cohen has continued to offer public commentary on major policy issues. In 2025, he warned that bombing Iran could risk "rallying its civilians to support the regime," reflecting his longstanding advocacy for measured and strategic use of military force.

Cohen has also continued his literary pursuits. During and after his political career, he authored several books of fiction and non-fiction, including poetry collections, novels, and works on national security policy. His literary work has included collaborative projects addressing social and historical themes.

Personal Life

William Cohen was previously married to Diana Dunn; the couple divorced in 1987. They have two children together.

Cohen's personal background — as the son of a Jewish father and a Protestant mother — has been a subject of public discussion throughout his career. He has spoken about navigating this dual heritage and the way it informed his worldview and political philosophy.

The relationship between Maine's senators has been a subject of occasional media attention. A 2011 Washington Post article examined the dynamics between the state's senators, noting the shared love of Maine and the job that connected them regardless of personal dynamics.

Cohen has maintained his connection to Maine throughout his career, even as he has been based primarily in Washington, D.C., since his initial election to Congress in 1972. The University of Maine's Raymond H. Fogler Library houses a significant collection of Cohen's papers and archival materials, documenting his career in public service.

Recognition

Cohen's career in public service has been recognized by a variety of institutions. He was named a distinguished alumnus of Phi Sigma Iota, reflecting his undergraduate achievements at Bowdoin College.

His bipartisan service as Secretary of Defense under a president of the opposing party has been repeatedly cited as an example of non-partisan governance in American political life. The Time magazine essay published in 2025 used Cohen's example to argue for the importance of keeping the U.S. military above partisan politics, noting the role Cohen played in maintaining the institution's legitimacy during a politically contentious era.

Cohen's vote on the articles of impeachment against Richard Nixon as a young Republican congressman in 1974 has been cited by historians and political commentators as an act of political courage and principle. It established a reputation for independence that defined the rest of his career.

His continued engagement as a media commentator and policy analyst, including his role as a BBC News world affairs analyst, has kept him visible in public discourse on defense and foreign affairs well into his retirement from government service.

Legacy

William Cohen's career represents a distinctive tradition of New England moderate Republicanism that has become increasingly uncommon in American politics. His willingness to work across party lines — culminating in his service as a Republican Secretary of Defense in a Democratic administration — stands as one of the most notable examples of bipartisan cooperation in late 20th-century American governance.

His role during the Watergate proceedings established a template for political courage within his own party, and his nearly three decades of service in the House, Senate, and Cabinet gave him an unusually comprehensive understanding of the American governmental system. The New York Times characterized him at the time of his nomination as Secretary of Defense as "a bipartisan voice," a label that has remained associated with his career.

Cohen's tenure at the Pentagon coincided with a period of transition in American defense policy, as the country moved from Cold War-era frameworks toward the challenges of asymmetric warfare and international terrorism that would come to define the early 21st century. His emphasis on military accountability, strategic restraint, and civilian-military collaboration reflected the values he had developed over decades of engagement with defense policy in Congress.

The Cohen Group, which he founded after leaving government, has extended his influence into the private sector, applying his government experience to corporate and international advisory work. His ongoing commentary on defense and foreign policy — including his 2025 statements on the risks of military action against Iran — indicates that he continues to participate in the national conversation on security and defense long after his formal government service concluded.

The archival collection at the University of Maine ensures that scholars and researchers have access to the documentary record of Cohen's career, preserving his contributions to American political history for future study.