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James H. Binger Chair in Global Governance

The James H. Binger Chair in Global Governance was established in 2016 through a generous gift from the Robina Foundation and named in honor of longtime CFR member James H. Binger. It builds upon the Robina Foundation’s previous investment in the Council’s International Institutions and Global Governance (IIGG) program by ensuring that CFR continues to promote independent scholarship on issues of global governance. The holder of the chair provides analysis and ideas on the requirements for effective multilateral cooperation through research, meetings, and publications to help policymakers and experts at home and abroad better address transnational challenges.

James H. Binger (1916–2004)

James H. Binger (Robina)

James H. Binger was a distinguished leader in business and philanthropy, with a legacy that extends from throughout the Twin Cities of Minnesota to New York and beyond. He was a member of the Council on Foreign Relations from 1974 until his death in 2004.

Born on May 16, 1916, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Binger graduated from St. Paul Academy in 1934 and from Yale University, where he studied economics, in 1938. He completed his LLB degree at the University of Minnesota Law School in 1941. His first job was with the law firm that is now Dorsey & Whitney. Binger joined Honeywell, Inc. in 1943, rising through the ranks to become president (1961–65), chairman of the board (1965–74), and chairman of the executive committee (1974–78). He led the company’s expansion into the defense, aerospace, and computer industries. He founded his own investment firm, Tartan Investments, in 1978.

Binger also served as a director of several for-profit and nonprofit boards, including the International Peace Academy, the Atlantic Institute of Foreign Affairs, Northwest Airlines, 3M Company, Chase Manhattan Bank, and the Advisory Committee on Trade Relations. He demonstrated his personal commitment to philanthropy by establishing the Robina Foundation in 2004. It was the primary beneficiary of his estate. 

James H. Binger Chair in Global Governance

2023–Present
Esther Brimmer

2017–22
Stewart M. Patrick