Krister Knapp

Krister Knapp is a Teaching Professor in the Department of History at Washington University in St. Louis, serving as the History Minor advisor and coordinator of the Crisis & Conflict in Historical Perspective lecture series. He holds a Ph.D. from Boston College and master’s degrees from Indiana University and the University of Massachusetts, alongside a B.A. from Arizona State University. His research focuses on U.S. national security, foreign policy, terrorism, counterterrorism, and Cold War history. Knapp actively engages in public scholarship through op-eds, media interviews, and public talks addressing contemporary geopolitical issues like the Russia-Ukraine conflict and U.S.-China relations.

Education:

• Ph.D., History, Boston College (2003)
• M.A., American Studies, University of Massachusetts (1996)
• M.A., History & Philosophy of Science, Indiana University (1994)
• B.A., Philosophy, Arizona State University (1990)

Research emphasizes modern U.S. security policy, counterterrorism strategies, and historical case studies like Yemen under Obama. His current book project explores Operation Copper Dune, analyzing U.S. counterterrorism efforts in Yemen. Media engagements include frequent appearances on KMOX News Radio discussing topics such as Ukraine, Iran, and the Global War on Terror.

Teaching focuses on courses like 'The Global War on Terrorism,' 'U.S.-Russia Relations,' and 'Cold War History.' He has led over 20 public lectures and academic conferences, including presentations at Harvard’s Charles Warren Center and the European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism.

Labs/Teams: Coordinates the Crisis & Conflict series hosting DC think tank experts and leads the International Relations Roundtable at Washington University.