Francis J. Gavin

Francis J. Gavin is the Giovanni Agnelli Distinguished Professor and inaugural director of the Henry A. Kissinger Center for Global Affairs at Johns Hopkins SAIS. He previously held roles at MIT and the University of Texas, where he directed the Robert S. Strauss Center for International Security and Law. Gavin earned his BA in Political Science from the University of Chicago, an MSt in Modern European History from Oxford, and a PhD in History from the University of Pennsylvania.

His research focuses on nuclear strategy, Cold War history, and grand strategy. Notable works include Nuclear Statecraft (2012), Nuclear Weapons and American Grand Strategy (2020), and The Taming of Scarcity and the Problems of Plenty (2024). He serves on editorial boards of journals like Security Studies and is a Senior Fellow at institutions such as the Clements Center for National Security.

Gavin’s articles and books explore themes like nuclear deterrence, nonproliferation, and the evolution of international order. His 2020 book received the Choice Outstanding Academic Title award. He actively engages in policy advising through roles like CIA Historical Panel member and Council on Foreign Relations affiliate.

Leadership highlights include founding the Nuclear Studies Research Initiative and co-directing the Carnegie International Policy Scholars Consortium. His interdisciplinary work bridges academia and policy, emphasizing historical insights for strategic decision-making.