Madeleine Albright was an American diplomat and politician who served as the first female Secretary of State from 1997 to 2001 under President Bill Clinton. She played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during her tenure, focusing on issues such as NATO expansion and the conflicts in the Balkans. Born in Prague in 1937, Albright fled to the United States with her family after the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia. She later became a prominent figure in politics, advocating for democracy and human rights around the world, and was known for her strong stance on international relations.