Robert Pickus (October 31, 1923 – January 22, 2016) was a prominent figure in Quaker, pacifist, and peace movements.[1][2] Born in Sioux City, Iowa, he attended the University of Chicago, where he was a research assistant to Mortimer Adler for the Great Books of the Western World program.[3] In 1942, he enlisted in the army, and worked with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in England and Sweden.[3][4]
He was co-author of Speak Truth to Power (American Friends Service Committee, 1955); founder of Turn Toward Peace (1961), and World Without War Council (1969); and co-author with Robert Woito of To End War: an Introduction to the Ideas, Books, Organizations, and Work That Can Help (1970). In the mid-1960s Pickus caused controversy by attacking "radical pacifists and leftists" in the anti-Vietnam war movement, whom he accused of being "naively one-sided in their criticism of American foreign policy".[5][4]
In a 2001 interview, Pickus argued that in "the current political climate, war is essential for justice to prevail".[6] He said that the World Without War Council supported actions such as the bombing of Taliban radio systems, provided civilians were given advance warning.[6] Pickus also stated he regarded the United States as a benevolent force in world affairs.[6]
Pickus died on January 22, 2016, in St. Helena, California.