James E Patterson

About

Former U.S. diplomat and life member of the American Foreign Service Association. I reported from Brazil, Mexico, The Netherlands, Canada, the U.K., Chile, Venezuela, Peru, France, Argentina, and Washington DC. I write on foreign affairs, labor, and cybercrimes. Memberships include Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations, California and New York State Societies of Washington DC. Dad was a Korean War vet who served with Alabama's Army National Guard 1962-67 for the Cuban Missile Crisis, Selma to Montgomery March, integration of the Univ. of Alabama. I was cast as a reporter in 2014's ''Selma.'' My political battles are legendary. See New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1995/01/22/business/at-work-promotions-and-family-matters.html My reporting changed the personnel policies of the U.S. Foreign Affairs Agencies. See https://glreview.org/supreme-job-blow-to-jesse-helms/ In this case, my reporting eventually led to the U.S. Supreme Court decision in favor of LGBT workers.

Recent work: 

https://www.fordforum.org/observer-essays/2026/8/13/ford-doctrine 

https://www.fordforum.org/observer-essays/2026/06/18/americans-korea

https://www.fordforum.org/observer-essays/2026/4/23/bunche

https://www.fordforum.org/observer-essays/2026/03/12/shirleytemple-ford

https://www.fordforum.org/observer-essays/2025/12/11/rehabilitation-act

https://www.fordforum.org/observer-essays/2026/02/19/ford-africanamerican-history

https://www.fordforum.org/observer-essays/2025/10/23/ford-buckley

https://www.fordforum.org/observer-essays/2025/08/14/ford-gergen

https://www.fordforum.org/observer-essays/2025/09/11/courageouscrisis

https://www.fordforum.org/observer-essays/congressmen

What people are saying about James Patterson: 

"As you know, preserving the record of American history is a passion of mine, and it takes all of us doing our part to ensure that record is sustained and endures. Thank you for your vital contribution." Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Personal letter, June 2, 2026. About my role in recovering the "lost" Library of Congress video of a 2005 panel discussion on the 30th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. 

"What a great story of finding the video. Thank you for helping preserve an important part of the historical record." H.R. McMaster, retired Army Lt. General, 25th U.S. National Security Advisor, and bestselling author of "Dereliction of Duty: Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies that Led to Vietnam." Personal letter, May 6, 2026. 

"But I do want you to know how special your note was to me. To hear from a professional like you that my books were helpful is reward indeed." Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times Journalist Hedrick Smith, author of "The Russians" (1975), "The New Russians" (1990), among many others. Personal note, dated Dec. 10, 2025, in response to my congratulatory letter on the 50th anniversary of the publication of "The Russians."

"Thank you again for helping us ensure the accuracy of our educational resources—we’re grateful for your contribution." Dr. Lori Ann Terjesen, Ph.D. (she/her) Vice President of Education, Women's History Museum. Email dated June 2, 2025. See https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/evelyn-y-davis

 "I sincerely thank Mr. Patterson for both his note and his well-taken correction." Saul Jay Singer, columnist, "Menachem Begin in D.C.," Jewish Press, 3 Sivan 5785, May 30, 2025.

"Your editorial [Albany Times Union] inspired by the 1963 essay by Joyce Ford vividly illustrates the lasting impact of Dr. [Ralph} Bunche's career." William S. Pretzer, Ph. D., Senior Curator of History, National Museum of African American of History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution, November 16, 2021. 

"What happened to your family is a complete outrage. I'm so sorry for what you went through and, most of all, on the loss of your daughter. I'm sure her 17 years were a gift to the world. And I commend you for fighting your employer [US Department of State] on behalf of your family and so many families like ours." Deanna Fei, author "Girl in Glass," email January 14, 2022. 

"Every time I hear about families like yours, I am inspired by the strength and courage shown in the disabilities community.”~ Barack Obama, President of the United States of America, letter, July 14, 2015 

"James is both a veteran journalist and a veteran of the Civil Rights Movement.” ~ Larry Goldbetter, President, National Writers Union/UAW Local 1981, New York, April 4, 2014.

"I admire your courage in speaking out.” ~ Former US Congressman Barney Frank, email, May 29, 2013.

"Your years of steadfast dedication to the fight for civil rights and equality, liberty, and justice for all are greatly appreciated.” ~ Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, letter, October 4, 2013.

Alexandra Baker Patterson’s "courage was invaluable in the fight for equal rights for disabled employees and their families. Please know that Alexandra’s spirit remains in you and the countless others whose lives she touched.” ~ U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, (D-CA) Senior Member Foreign Relations Committee, October 16, 2013, letter to the Patterson family.

"Thank you for your public service–and for your help on the Americans with Disabilities Act.” ~ US Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), April 23, 2013, letter.

I am a former U.S. diplomat, life member of the American Foreign Service Association, and a freelance foreign affairs writer, analyst, and commentator based in Washington, D.C.