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Scott D. Sagan is the Caroline S.G. Munro Professor of Political Science at Stanford University and a Senior Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies. He serves as Co-Director of the Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC) and holds the position of Bass University Fellow in Undergraduate Education. Sagan also co-chairs the American Academy of Arts and Sciences' Committee on International Security Studies, demonstrating his significant influence in the field of international security. Sagan received his Ph.D. in Political Science from Harvard University in 1983 and his B.A. in Government from Oberlin College in 1977. Prior to joining Stanford, he taught at Harvard University and served as special assistant to the director of the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon, providing him with valuable practical experience in defense policy. Professor Sagan's research primarily focuses on nuclear weapons policy, international security, arms control, and nonproliferation. His work examines the organizational, political, and ethical dimensions of nuclear strategy, with particular attention to the risks of nuclear accidents, the effectiveness of nonproliferation policies, and public attitudes toward nuclear weapons use. He has pioneered important theoretical frameworks regarding the organizational causes of nuclear accidents and the normative constraints on nuclear weapons use. Sagan's publications reveal a consistent focus on nuclear deterrence theory, the organizational aspects of nuclear command and control, and the ethical dimensions of nuclear weapons policy. His work bridges theoretical analysis with practical policy implications, often challenging conventional wisdom about nuclear strategy and proliferation. Recent publications show increasing attention to public opinion on nuclear weapons use, the evolving nature of nuclear deterrence in the contemporary security environment, and the relationship between international law and nuclear strategy. Thérèse Delpech Memorial Award (2022) Susan Strange Award, International Studies Association (2017) William and Katherine Estes Award, National Academy of Sciences (2015) International Security Studies Section Distinguished Scholar Award (2013) Stanford's Dean's Award for Distinguished Teaching (1998-99) Stanford's Hoagland Prize for Undergraduate Teaching (1996) International Studies Association's Innovative Teaching Award (2008) Monterey Institute for International Studies' Nonproliferation Education Award (2009) Sagan has been instrumental in shaping the research agenda at CISAC, mentoring numerous students and junior scholars in the field of international security. His work has been supported by various research grants from foundations and government agencies focused on nuclear security issues. At Stanford, he has led numerous research initiatives examining nuclear weapons policy, arms control, and nonproliferation challenges. As Co-Director of CISAC, Sagan oversees one of the world's leading research centers on international security, nuclear policy, and arms control. The center brings together scholars, practitioners, and students to address pressing security challenges through interdisciplinary research, policy-relevant analysis, and educational programs. Under his leadership, CISAC has maintained its position as a premier institution for security studies research and policy engagement.

• Nuclear Weapons Policy
• International Security
• Arms Control
• +3 more

Keir A. Lieber is a Professor at Georgetown University, holding dual appointments in the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service and the Department of Government. His research focuses on nuclear strategy, deterrence, technology’s role in warfare, and U.S. national security policy. He co-authored The Myth of the Nuclear Revolution and authored War and the Engineers , exploring how political decisions outweigh technological determinism. Lieber’s work appears in International Security , Foreign Affairs , and other leading journals. He has received major fellowships from institutions like the Brookings Institution and the Council on Foreign Relations. Education: Ph.D. and M.A. in Political Science from the University of Chicago; B.A. in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A proud alumnus of D.C. public schools, Lieber emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to security studies. His research interests span nuclear deterrence theory, the impact of emerging technologies on conflict, and the evolution of U.S. defense strategies. Recent work addresses nuclear tripolarity and the challenges of escalation control in modern conflicts. Awards include recognition for his contributions to international relations scholarship and policy analysis. Lieber’s academic contributions include co-editing volumes on realism and advising on national security policy. Grants and fellowships have supported his exploration of topics like cyber warfare and nuclear non-proliferation.

• Nuclear Weapons
• Deterrence Strategy
• International Relations Theory
• +3 more

Cathryn Carson is a Professor in the Department of History at the University of California, Berkeley. Her work bridges the philosophical, cultural, and political dimensions of 20th-century science, with a focus on theoretical physics, nuclear history, and the integration of social sciences and humanities into engineering education. Education: AB in History and Philosophy of Science from University of Chicago (1990) AM in Physics from Harvard University (1993) PhD in History of Science from Harvard University (1995) Her research explores the interplay between science and philosophy, particularly in Germany and the U.S., alongside the institutionalization of data science. She teaches graduate and undergraduate courses, including Berkeley’s Data Science major’s Human Contexts and Ethics of Data course. Scientific Awards: Berkeley Collegium Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Education (2017) Distinguished Service Award, Division of Social Sciences (2014) Carol D. Soc Distinguished Graduate Student Mentoring Award (2014) Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow of the American Physical Society Mellon New Directions Fellowship NSF CAREER Award Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Research Fellowship Member, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton Carson has served in multiple leadership roles, including Associate Dean of Social Sciences, founding Interim Director of the D-Lab (Social Science Data Laboratory), and Faculty Lead of Berkeley’s Data Science Education Program. She is currently accepting students for advising and contributes to campus governance through roles in the Academic Senate.

• History of 20th-century science
• Conceptual history of science
• Science and philosophy
• +5 more

Carol Apollonio is a Research Professor in the Department of Slavic and Eurasian Studies at Duke University's Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. She specializes in Russian literature, Russian-Japanese translation, and language pedagogy, with a career spanning academia and high-level U.S. Government interpretation in nuclear weapons negotiations. Education: Ph.D. in Slavic Languages and Literatures (1987) from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Her research focuses on Anton Chekhov's literary legacy, cross-cultural translation dynamics, and pedagogical innovation. Recent publications in The Times Literary Supplement explore Chekhov's reception in English-speaking contexts and translation methodologies. Professional Activities: Co-editor of Chekhov's Letters (2018) Translator of Alisa Ganieva's works (2015-2022) Public intellectual contributions on Russian culture and academic labor

• Russian Literature
• Translation Studies
• Language Pedagogy
• +3 more

Alexander B. Downes is a Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at The George Washington University, serving as Director of the Institute for Security and Conflict Studies within the Elliott School of International Affairs. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Chicago. His research focuses on international security with expertise in civilian victimization during war, foreign-imposed regime change, military effectiveness, coercion, nuclear weapons, and civil war. He has authored two influential books: Targeting Civilians in War (2008) and Catastrophic Success: Why Foreign-Imposed Regime Change Goes Wrong (2021). Downes has received major recognition including the Joseph Lepgold Prize (2008), Emerging Scholar Award (2016), Michael E. Brown Research Prize (2022), and Harry Harding Teaching Prize (2020). His work has been funded by the Department of Defense Minerva Initiative, Carnegie Corporation, and others. He has held fellowships at Harvard's Belfer Center and Stanford's CISAC. Teaching responsibilities include courses on international security, modern warfare theory, and coercion strategies. His research emphasizes policy-relevant analysis of global security challenges, combining historical case studies with contemporary strategic dilemmas.

• International Security
• Civilian Victimization in War
• Foreign-Imposed Regime Change
• +4 more

Christopher Robert Way is an Associate Professor of Government at Cornell University, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. He is a core faculty member of the Institute for European Studies and part of the Reppy Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, where he contributes to the Peace Studies Minor. His research focuses on comparative political economy, international relations, and nuclear proliferation, with a particular emphasis on the effectiveness of non-proliferation regimes and the political drivers of weapons development. Way's academic interests span international/comparative political economy, the political economy of OECD democracies, and the impact of electoral cycles on policy-making. His work integrates quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze topics such as the relationship between conventional arms transfers and nuclear proliferation, the role of political insecurity in financial market liberalization, and the effects of economic interdependence on military conflict. His recent research on paid sick leave policies and democracy’s role in capitalism reflects his broader engagement with public policy and institutional adaptation. Way has also contributed to debates on nuclear energy as an 'ambiguous technology' and the dynamics of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

• Comparative Political Economy
• International Relations
• Political Economy of OECD Democracies
• +4 more

Dr. Reba Wissner is an Associate Professor of Musicology at the Schwob School of Music, Columbus State University, where she also serves as Interim Associate Dean in the Honors College. She specializes in film, television, and video game music, with a strong commitment to pedagogy and accessibility in higher education. Education: PhD, Musicology, Brandeis University, 2012 MFA, Musicology, Brandeis University, 2008 BA, Music and Italian, Hunter College, CUNY, 2005 Graduate Certificate, Higher Education Administration, Northeastern University, 2019 Graduate Certificate, Instructional Design, University of Wisconsin - Stout, 2020 Levels 1, 2, and 3 UDL Credentials, UDL-IRN Quality Matters Certified Peer Reviewer and Master Reviewer Dr. Wissner’s research centers on music in screen media, particularly Cold War-era television, and the intersection of music with cultural narratives. She is a leading voice in public musicology and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), advocating for inclusive and accessible music education. Her work spans historical analysis, pedagogical innovation, and interdisciplinary media studies. Her recent publications reflect a consistent focus on sonic storytelling, with books on The Twilight Zone , The Outer Limits , David Lynch, and Twin Peaks . She explores themes of nuclear anxiety, identity, and adaptation across media. Her editorial projects include the Oxford Handbook of Public Musicology and a guide on UDL in music history classrooms. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award, Columbus State University, 2022 Governor’s Teaching Fellow, Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education, 2022 Quality Matters Certified Peer Reviewer and Master Reviewer UDL Levels 1–3 Credentials Dr. Wissner has secured editorial contracts with Routledge and Oxford University Press, reflecting her leadership in the field. She mentors emerging scholars through collaborative editing and public scholarship initiatives. Her work in online learning and accessibility has shaped curriculum development and peer review standards. She leads the Public Musicology Certificate program and contributes to interdisciplinary studies and honors education. She is actively involved in research teams focused on media music and pedagogical innovation, integrating digital tools and inclusive design into music history education.

• Musicology
• Film Music
• Television Music
• +14 more

Scott Kemp is an Associate Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) within the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering , where he also directs the Laboratory for Nuclear Security and Policy . His interdisciplinary research bridges physics, political science, and history to address challenges in nuclear security, energy policy, and critical infrastructure protection . Education: B.Sc. in Physics from University of California, Santa Barbara; Ph.D. in Public and International Affairs from Princeton University Research focuses on: Strategic implications of hypersonic and advanced conventional weapons Securing vulnerabilities in energy/water/gas infrastructure Technological tools for nuclear disarmament verification Decarbonization policy frameworks Scientific recognition includes: Fellow of the American Physical Society (2017) Sloan Research Fellowship in Physics (2016) NEC Corporation Award in Computation (2015) Fulbright Fellow (2003) As an academic advisor in MIT's Energy Studies Program , he mentors students in policy-science intersections while serving on the International Policy Lab and President’s Committee for Distinguished Fellowships .

• Nuclear Security
• Policy Analysis
• Critical Infrastructure Protection
• +3 more

David Holloway is the Raymond A. Spruance Professor of International History and Professor of Political Science at Stanford University, and a Senior Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (emeritus). He has held leadership roles, including co-director of the Center for International Security and Arms Control (1991–1997) and director of the Freeman Spogli Institute (1998–2003). His research focuses on the international history of nuclear weapons, Soviet science and technology, and the intersection of international history and theory. Education: B.A. in Modern Languages and Literature (Cambridge University), Ph.D. in Social and Political Sciences (Cambridge University). Previous academic roles include teaching at the University of Edinburgh (1970–1986) and Lancaster University (1967–1970). Research interests include the historical and political dimensions of nuclear weapons, Soviet technological development, and arms control. Notable works include *Stalin and the Bomb* (1994), recognized by the New York Times and multiple scholarly awards. Awards: Vucinich and Shulman Prizes (AAASS), Lingua Franca Breakthrough Book (1999), and others. His work has been translated into multiple languages. Advising and grants: Extensive administrative roles, including associate dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences, and leadership in interdisciplinary initiatives like the Stanford Center on International Conflict and Negotiation. Affiliated with The Europe Center and the CISAC. Labs/Teams: Core member of the Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC) and affiliated with the Freeman Spogli Institute’s research networks.

• International History
• Nuclear Weapons History
• Soviet Union Studies
• +3 more

Keir Lieber is a Professor at Georgetown University, holding dual appointments in the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service and the Department of Government. His work focuses on nuclear strategy, deterrence, and international relations theory. He co-authored The Myth of the Nuclear Revolution and authored War and the Engineers . Lieber holds a Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of Chicago and a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has received major fellowships from institutions like the Brookings Institution and Carnegie Corporation. His research explores how technological change and power politics shape modern conflict, particularly in the nuclear realm. Education: Ph.D. and M.A. in Political Science, University of Chicago B.A. in Political Science and International Relations, University of Wisconsin-Madison Proud alumnus of D.C. public schools Research Interests: Lieber examines nuclear weapons policy, deterrence dynamics, and the interplay of technology with conflict causation. His work critiques assumptions about nuclear stability and emphasizes the enduring role of political choices over technological determinism. Article Trends: Recent publications address nuclear tripolarity, escalation management, and the evolving role of technology in deterrence. Key themes include the fragility of strategic stability and the risks posed by modernizing arsenals. Awards: Fellowships from Brookings Institution, Carnegie Corporation, Council on Foreign Relations, and Smith Richardson Foundation Advising & Grants: While no formal advisees are listed, Lieber’s mentorship is reflected in collaborative research on nuclear strategy. His grants fund studies on U.S. nuclear modernization and arms control.

• Nuclear Weapons Policy
• Deterrence Strategy
• International Relations Theory
• +3 more

Graham T. Allison, Jr. is the Douglas Dillon Professor of Government at Harvard Kennedy School, where he has taught for five decades. He previously served as the Founding Dean of Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government and as Director of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs until 2017. His career spans academia, government service, and international policy analysis, with significant contributions to national security studies and international relations. Dr. Allison's educational background includes: Davidson College Harvard College (B.A., magna cum laude, in History) Oxford University (B.A. and M.A., First Class Honors in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) Harvard University (Ph.D. in Political Science) As a leading analyst of national security, Dr. Allison specializes in nuclear weapons policy, US-Russia relations, US-China relations, and decision-making processes in international crises. His research has profoundly influenced how scholars and policymakers understand great power competition and conflict prevention. He is particularly renowned for developing the concept of the "Thucydides Trap" to analyze the historical patterns when a rising power threatens to displace an established power. Dr. Allison's recent scholarly output demonstrates consistent focus on contemporary geopolitical challenges, particularly US-China strategic competition, nuclear weapons policy, and conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. His publications bridge academic rigor with policy relevance, often providing historical context to current crises while offering concrete recommendations for policymakers. The breadth of his work spans traditional academic journal articles, policy briefs, and commentary in major media outlets, demonstrating his commitment to engaging both scholarly and public audiences. Dr. Allison has received numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to national security: Defense Department's highest civilian award, the Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service Distinguished Public Service Medal (awarded twice - first by Secretary Cap Weinberger and second by Secretary Bill Perry) Throughout his career, Dr. Allison has advised multiple presidential administrations, serving as Assistant Secretary of Defense in the Clinton Administration and Special Advisor to the Secretary of Defense under President Reagan. He has been a member of the Secretary of Defense's Advisory Board for every Secretary from Weinberger to Mattis. His work has been supported by significant sponsored projects including the "Russia Matters Web Portal" funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and programs to help students train for Russia-related jobs funded by the U.S. Russia Foundation. Dr. Allison has maintained strong connections with the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, which he directed until 2017 and which remains ranked as the "#1 University Affiliated Think Tank" in the world. Through the Belfer Center, he has fostered relationships with international security experts from around the world, particularly with Israeli security officials and analysts with whom he has collaborated extensively.

• National Security
• Nuclear Weapons
• Russia
• +5 more

Vinay Lal is Professor of History and Asian American Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he has been teaching since Fall 1993. He holds a joint appointment in the Department of History and the Asian American Studies Department. Born in Delhi and raised across multiple countries including India, Indonesia, Japan, and the United States, Lal brings a global perspective to his scholarship and teaching. His educational journey began at Johns Hopkins University, where he earned both his B.A. (1982) and M.A. (1982) from the Humanities Center with concentrations in literature, history, and philosophy. He then studied film in Australia and India on a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship before pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of Chicago's Department of South Asian Languages and Civilizations, which he completed with Distinction in 1992. His dissertation, 'Committees of Inquiry and Discourses of 'Law and Order' in Twentieth-Century British India', received the Marc Galler Award for the best dissertation in the Division of the Humanities at the University of Chicago. Lal's research spans an extraordinary breadth of intellectual interests, with primary focus on Indian history, historiography, public and popular culture in India, the Indian diaspora, colonialism, human rights, American politics, the architecture of nonviolence, Gandhi studies, and the global politics of knowledge systems. His work consistently challenges conventional disciplinary boundaries, engaging with topics ranging from the politics of religion and ethnicity in South Asia to the moral and political thought of Mohandas Gandhi, from the partition of India to the intersection of history and popular cinema. His scholarship reflects a deep commitment to decolonizing knowledge systems and exploring alternative epistemologies from the Global South. His publications reveal a scholar deeply engaged with both historical analysis and contemporary political issues. The 15 most recent articles demonstrate his consistent focus on South Asian politics, historical memory, nonviolence, and the politics of knowledge. His writing spans academic journals, major newspapers, and public intellectual platforms, with a distinctive voice that bridges scholarly rigor and public accessibility. His work on Gandhi, colonialism, and contemporary Indian politics forms a particularly strong thread throughout his recent publications. Fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science (elected February 2000) William R. Kenan Fellow, Society of Fellows in the Humanities, Columbia University (1992-93) Senior Fellowship from the American Institute of Indian Studies National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship for University Teachers Fellowship from the Society for the Promotion of Science/Japan Area Studies Center Listed among the '101 Most Dangerous Professors in America' in David Horowitz's book Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship for Academic and Professional Excellence Fellow at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), South Africa (2024) Oxford University Press India Academic (Humanities) Delegate (2022-2028) As a dedicated mentor, Lal has supervised numerous PhD students who have gone on to prominent academic careers at institutions including CSU-Sacramento, UNC-Charlotte, O.P. Jindal University, UC Irvine, and the University of Pittsburgh. His teaching portfolio at UCLA is exceptionally broad, encompassing undergraduate courses on Indian Civilization, British India, contemporary South Asia, and world history, along with graduate seminars on Indian politics and religion, historiography of modern India, nationalism and colonialism, Indian cinema, and postcolonial theory. His lecture courses are available in their entirety on his academic YouTube channel, which has garnered over 3 million views and 36,000 subscribers. Lal has also served as University of California's Director of the Education Abroad Program in India and as Professor of History at the University of Delhi during 2010-11. Lal is a founding member of the Backwaters Collective on Metaphysics and Politics (2010-2020), which met annually in Kerala, and was associated with Multiversity, a group of scholars focused on decolonizing Western knowledge systems. His current work includes a four-book project titled 'The Genocide and Hope Quartet: Studies in the Architecture of Oppression and the Redemptive Possibilities of Nonviolence', examining Dandi, Auschwitz, Hiroshima, and Robben Island. He maintains an active public intellectual presence through his blog 'LAL SALAAM' and his academic YouTube channel, making scholarly content accessible to wider audiences.

• Indian History
• South Asian Studies
• Historiography
• +13 more

Matthew Connelly is a Professor of International and Global History at Columbia University, where he has served since 2016 as co-director of the Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy. He is the principal investigator of History Lab, a data science initiative analyzing state secrecy, surveillance, and weapons of mass destruction through declassified documents. Previously, he directed the Hertog Global Strategy Initiative (2009-2013) and held faculty or visiting positions at the University of Michigan, London School of Economics, University of Oslo, University of Sydney, Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris, and Fundação Getulio Vargas in Rio de Janeiro. Education: Ph.D., Yale University (1997) B.A., Columbia University (1990) Connelly’s research focuses on leveraging data science to decode historical patterns of government secrecy, planetary threats, and transnational movements. His work spans the analysis of intelligence failures, population control policies, and geopolitical revolutions. His courses include 'The History of the End of the World' and 'The Future as History.' Scientific Awards: Five prizes for A Diplomatic Revolution Economist and Financial Times Book of the Year for Fatal Misconception Shortlisted for the Cundill History Prize for The Declassification Engine Connelly has published in interdisciplinary journals including Nature-Human Behaviour , Comparative Studies in Society and History , and The American Historical Review . He also contributes commentary on international affairs to The Atlantic Monthly and The National Interest . His History Lab project aims to develop historical research as a data science, using machine learning to reconstruct fragmented archives and enhance government accountability.

• International History
• Global History
• State Secrecy
• +6 more

Edward Geist is a Policy Researcher at the RAND Corporation and a Professor of Policy Analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy. His research focuses on Russia's defense policy, civil defense, artificial intelligence, nuclear weapons, and the impact of emerging technologies on nuclear strategy. He holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of North Carolina. Previously, he served as a MacArthur Nuclear Security Fellow at Stanford and a Stanton Nuclear Security Fellow at RAND. His notable works include Armageddon Insurance: Civil Defense in the United States and Soviet Union, 1945–1991 (2019) and Deterrence under Uncertainty: Artificial Intelligence and Nuclear Warfare (2023). His expertise spans nuclear deterrence, AI's role in military strategy, and U.S.-China strategic competition. He frequently analyzes how emerging technologies like AI reshape military capabilities and global security dynamics. Geist’s research emphasizes the risks of technological arms races and their potential to escalate conflicts, advocating for policy frameworks to mitigate these risks. Education: Ph.D. in History, University of North Carolina Awards: MacArthur Nuclear Security Fellowship, Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship Key Themes: Nuclear strategy, AI governance, Russia-China-U.S. strategic dynamics Geist’s recent work explores scenarios of prolonged conflict with China, AI limitations in warfare, and the implications of advanced computing for nuclear stability. His insights inform policymakers on balancing technological advancement with strategic stability.

• Nuclear Weapons and Warfare
• Artificial Intelligence
• Russia Defense Policy
• +4 more

Bruno Cabanes is the Donald G. & Mary A. Dunn Chair in Modern Military History at Ohio State University. A graduate of École Normale Supérieure and Sorbonne, he specializes in the social and cultural history of war, particularly transitions from war to peace and veterans' experiences. His award-winning books include La Victoire endeuillée (Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques prize), The Great War and the Origins of Humanitarianism (Paul Birdsall Prize), and August 1914 (Choice Award). He has published extensively on war memory, refugees, and humanitarianism. He serves on advisory boards for the Historial de la Grande Guerre and Verdun Museum and has consulted for documentary films about WWI. His current research examines spaces of war and environmental impacts of conflict.

• Military History
• World War I
• Cultural History of War
• +3 more