Ian Bassin

Ian Bassin is an American lawyer, writer, and activist who serves as executive director of Protect Democracy.^[1][2] He previously served as Associate White House Counsel under President Obama.^[3]

Education[]

Bassin graduated with a B.A. from Wesleyan University in 1998 and a J.D. from Yale Law School in 2006.^[4][5][6]

Early career[]

In 2007, Bassin joined the Obama campaign’s policy team, and later the Obama-Biden transition team.^[7][8] From 2009 to 2011, he served in the White House Counsel’s Office.^[9][10]

After leaving the White House, Bassin was reportedly involved in a number of social activism efforts around the world.^[11] In 2012, he helped organize a campaign that freed more than 100 migrant laborers in Bahrain who were being held against their will and in violation of international human rights law.^[12]

Protect Democracy[]

In 2016, Bassin co-founded the nonprofit organization Protect Democracy.^[3][13] According to Time Magazine, Protect Democracy is a “defender of America’s system of government against the threat of authoritarianism.”^[14] The organization includes liberals and conservatives who have worked for Democratic and Republican elected officials.^[15][16]

In his role as executive director, Bassin has been a frequent commentator on the state of American democracy, the dangers it faces, and what is needed to save it.^[17] He is a critic of unchecked presidential war powers under both President Obama and President Trump.^[18][19]

References[]