Richard Perle is an American political consultant and former government official known for his influential role in U.S. defense policy. He served as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy under President Ronald Reagan and was a key figure in shaping the Reagan administration's military strategies during the Cold War. Perle is also recognized for his involvement in the Project for the New American Century, a think tank that advocated for a strong U.S. military presence globally. He has been a vocal supporter of various military interventions, particularly in the Middle East, and has often been associated with the push for the 2003 invasion of Iraq.