James Warren Davis

James Warren Davis is a Full Professor of International Relations at the Institute for Political Science (IPW-HSG) within the School of Economics and Political Science at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, where he also serves as Chair of International Relations. Having joined the university in 2005, he previously held academic positions at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich and Columbia University. Davis has served as Dean of the School of Economics and Political Science (2015-2019) and Vice-Dean (2012-2015), demonstrating significant administrative leadership alongside his academic work.

Davis's research spans a wide range of international relations topics, with particular focus on global security policy, transatlantic relations, US foreign policy analysis, political decision-making, and political psychology. His work bridges qualitative and experimental approaches, examining how individuals and states make decisions in international contexts, particularly in security matters. He has directed the Centre for Security Economics and Technology (CSET-IPW-HSG) since 2007 and co-chairs the European Nuclear Study Group, reflecting his deep engagement with contemporary security challenges.

Analysis of Davis's recent publications reveals a strong trajectory toward integrating behavioral insights with traditional international relations theory, particularly examining how psychological factors influence decision-making in security contexts. His work on Clausewitz, nuclear security, and great power politics demonstrates both historical depth and contemporary relevance, with increasing attention to experimental methods and moral psychology in international relations.

• British International Studies Association Best Article of the Year Award (2005)
• Credit Suisse Award for Best Teaching (2011)
• Golden Badge of the Estonian Minister of Defense (2010)
• NATO Research Fellowship (1998-2000)
• Harvard University National Security Fellowship (1995-1996)

Davis advises multiple doctoral students including Jana C. von Dessien, Benjamin Bertrand, and Konstantin Schendzielorz, focusing on topics ranging from drone strikes to great power competition. He has secured significant external funding for projects including the European Nuclear Study Group and the Centre for Security Economics and Technology, which provides consulting services to numerous government institutions across Europe. The Centre for Security Economics and Technology (CSET), which Davis founded in 2007, serves as a key interdisciplinary hub connecting security policy, economics, and technology, working closely with the Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport in Switzerland.