James Russell

Dr. James A. Russell is an Associate Professor in the Department of National Security Affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School, specializing in U.S. security strategy in the Persian Gulf, nuclear strategy, and military innovation. He holds a PhD in War Studies from the University of London.

His research examines security dynamics in the Middle East, naval power projection, and the intersection of climate change and defense policy. Dr. Russell teaches courses on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, military innovation, and national security strategy.

Analysis of Dr. Russell's publications reveals evolving focus areas: from nuclear strategy and counterinsurgency in early work to contemporary examinations of great power competition and naval innovation. Recent scholarship emphasizes maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, unmanned systems integration, and climate change impacts on naval operations.

Dr. Russell served in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Near East South Asia) from 1988-2001, gaining extensive field experience in the Persian Gulf and Middle East that informs his academic work.