David C. Johnston

David Johnston is Professor of Political Science at Columbia University specializing in political philosophy and history of political ideas. His scholarship examines moral foundations of political institutions, with current research on justice theory, individual autonomy, and social justice histories.

Authored foundational texts including The Rhetoric of Leviathan analyzing Hobbes' political-cultural transformations, A Brief History of Justice tracing philosophical conceptions from antiquity, and Machiavelli on Liberty and Conflict. Edited critical editions of Hobbes' Leviathan used widely in political theory curricula.

Teaches courses on normative justice theories and seminar series exploring justice's relationship with democracy, equality, and power structures. Served as President of NY State Political Science Association and Chair of International Conference for Study of Political Thought.