Richard Samuels

Richard Samuels is the Ford International Professor of Political Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He has held significant leadership roles including Director of MIT's Center for International Studies and Head of the Political Science Department. Samuels also served as Vice-Chair of the National Research Council's Committee on Japan and Chair of the Japan-US Friendship Commission.

His research focuses on Japan’s intelligence and security, secrecy and privacy in international relations, and the evolving dynamics of the Japan-US alliance in East Asia. His recent work examines how shifts in Japan’s domestic politics influence its security policy choices amid China’s rise and post-Cold War geopolitical changes.

Samuels’ publications include prize-winning books like Securing Japan and Machiavelli's Children, as well as articles in Foreign Affairs, International Security, and Political Science Quarterly. His 2019 book Special Duty was recognized as one of Foreign Affairs’ 'Best of Books 2019'.

• Member, American Academy of Arts & Sciences
• Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star (Japan)
• Marraro Prize (Society for Italian Historical Studies)
• Jervis-Schroeder Prize (American Political Science Association)

As an academic, he has advised graduate students and collaborated with institutions like the Free University of Berlin (Einstein Visiting Fellow, 2014–2019). He has also contributed to MIT’s applied international studies programs through courses on Japanese politics, East Asian security, and global dynamics.