**Frank G. Wisner: Esteemed Diplomat and Influential Figure in U.S. Foreign Policy Passes Away at 86**

**Frank G. Wisner, an influential American diplomat known for his colorful approach to foreign policy, has died at 86 after battling lung cancer, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in international diplomacy.**

Frank G. Wisner II, a prominent figure in American diplomacy and foreign affairs, passed away at his residence in Mill Neck, New York, on Monday. He was 86 years old. His son, David, confirmed that the cause of death was complications related to lung cancer.

Throughout his extensive career, Wisner served in various critical roles, heading U.S. embassies in countries including Zambia, Egypt, the Philippines, and India. He was a notable figure in Washington politics, navigating both Republican and Democratic administrations while influencing significant changes in diverse regions from southern Africa to the Balkans.

Wisner's rise to prominence coincided with the Cold War, during which the competitive dynamics between the United States and the Soviet Union reshaped international relations, especially for newly-independent states. Known for his gregarious nature and an engaging diplomatic style, he often blended formal duties with social interactions. During his tenure in Egypt from 1986 to 1991, he invited reporters to join him for evenings filled with high-society diplomacy, traveling in an armored vehicle and mingling with local elites.

His dinner parties were known for attracting influential figures from various sectors, highlighting his position as a key player in international relations. Wisner was also known for his unorthodox methods of diplomacy; on one occasion, he hosted secret discussions with exiled members of the African National Congress in a Cairo apartment—an act that marked the complexity and depth of his negotiations during that turbulent time.

Overall, Wisner’s contributions to foreign policy and his unique approach to diplomacy have left an enduring impact on American international relations. His death marks the end of an era for many in the diplomatic community, who remember him as a larger-than-life figure dedicated to advancing American interests abroad.