James S. Robbins

Dr. James S. Robbins serves as Dean of Academics at the Institute of World Politics (IWP) and holds the title of Senior Fellow in National Security Affairs at the American Foreign Policy Council. Previously, he was a special assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and received the Joint Meritorious Civilian Service Award in 2007. He has also been a columnist for USA Today and a Senior Editorial Writer for The Washington Times, contributing to major publications like Wall Street Journal and National Review.

His expertise spans terrorism, national security strategy, political theory, and military history. Robbins teaches courses such as Grand Strategy and Full-Spectrum Statecraft (IWP/IWPO 801) and has authored five books, including The Real Custer and Last in Their Class: Custer, Pickett and the Goats of West Point. He frequently appears on national and international media, analyzing geopolitical issues.

Robbins earned his Ph.D. from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and has taught at the National Defense University and Marine Corps University. His research and publications address contemporary security challenges, such as deterring adversaries in the Middle East and Ukraine, and the implications of military history for modern strategy.