H. Andrew Schwartz Obituary – Remembering a Visionary Voice in U.S. Foreign Policy and Strategic Communication

H. Andrew Schwartz Obituary – Remembering a Visionary Voice in U.S. Foreign Policy and Strategic Communication

Washington, D.C. — The foreign policy and national security community is mourning the profound loss of H. Andrew Schwartz, the longtime Chief Communications Officer at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), who has passed away unexpectedly. His sudden death has left a deep void not only within CSIS, but also across the broader landscape of global policy and media, where his influence, insight, and humanity left an indelible mark.

Known affectionately by many as simply “Andrew,” Schwartz was more than a skilled communicator—he was a trusted bridge between complex ideas and the public conversation. As Chief Communications Officer and co-founder of the CSIS iDeas Lab, Andrew revolutionized how policy analysis was presented and consumed, bringing clarity and accessibility to the most pressing international challenges. His pioneering leadership helped CSIS transform from a traditional think tank into a multimedia powerhouse that reached millions through podcasts, videos, social media, and creative storytelling.

Andrew’s passion for policy communication was rooted in his early career as a journalist and his time serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. These experiences shaped a career devoted to truth, transparency, and accessibility. His signature podcast, The Truth of the Matter, became a staple for policymakers, students, and global citizens alike, offering intelligent, candid, and often personal conversations with leading voices on global affairs.

Whether discussing cyber warfare, energy transitions, geopolitical flashpoints, or defense strategy, Andrew’s interviews were never about performance—they were about understanding. His unique blend of curiosity, wit, and warmth turned complex briefings into meaningful dialogue and left listeners feeling not just informed, but connected to the global story.

But Andrew’s legacy reaches far beyond the microphone. He was a mentor, a friend, and a tireless advocate for elevating the next generation of communicators and thinkers. Colleagues recall his ability to lead with humility, to nurture young talent, and to bring out the best in those around him. At CSIS, he was known as “the heart and soul of our communications,” a steady and imaginative force who led not by demanding attention, but by earning trust.

Tributes from across the political and academic spectrum have poured in since the announcement of his passing. Former coworkers describe him as “irreplaceable,” “brilliant,” and “one of the kindest, most generous spirits” they’d ever encountered. Members of the media noted that Andrew Schwartz didn’t just explain foreign policy—he helped shape how the world understood it.

CSIS President and CEO Dr. John Hamre stated in a message to staff, “Andrew embodied the values of openness, respect, and intellectual rigor. His fingerprints are on every success we’ve had in reaching the public with integrity. His passing is an enormous loss to all of us and to the world we serve.”

Plans for a formal memorial service and remembrance event at CSIS are underway, where friends, family, colleagues, and admirers will gather to honor his extraordinary life. There is also discussion of establishing a fellowship or communications initiative in his name to continue the work he championed so passionately.

H. Andrew Schwartz was a giant in his field—not because he sought the spotlight, but because he knew how to direct it toward ideas that mattered. His life’s work was rooted in the belief that the world is better when people understand it better, and he dedicated every ounce of his career to that cause.

He leaves behind an enduring legacy: a more informed public, a more approachable policy world, and a generation of voices he helped find their own. His absence will be deeply felt, but his impact will continue to resonate in every thoughtful conversation and every effort to bring light to truth.

May his memory be a blessing, and may his work continue to inspire the pursuit of clarity, compassion, and dialogue in the service of peace and understanding.