Blackmer received his bachelor's degree from Harvard College where he graduated magna cum laude in history and literature. He continued his studies at Harvard University where he received a master’s in regional studies on the Soviet Union and a PhD in political science.
He began his career at MIT as executive director, and eventually served as assistant director, of the Center for International Studies (CIS). The Center was created in 1951 to aid the United States in its Cold War battle against the Soviet Union. Blackmer later chronicled the Center's beginnings in a fascinating book, The MIT Center for International Studies: The Founding Years 1951 to 1969, to mark the Center's 50th anniversary.
“Don was a fine scholar. He wrote a widely cited book on the international relations of the Italian Communist Party, and co-authored a book with Max Millikan on US foreign aid. He also published on the French communist party and on the Soviet Union. But, on his own account, scholarship...
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