[2] During the Nixon/Ford Administration, Easum served as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs.

[3][4] In 2004, Easum was among 27 retired diplomats and military commanders called who publicly said the administration of President George W. Bush did not understand the world and was unable to handle "in either style or substance" the responsibilities of global leadership.

[5] On June 16, 2004 the Diplomats and Military Commanders for Change issued a statement against the Iraq War.

During World War II, Easum served in the United States Army Air Forces in the Pacific.

He also studied at the University of London on a Fulbright scholarship and in Buenos Aires on a Doherty Foundation grant and a Penfield fellowship.