Rebeccah L. Heinrichs

Rebeccah L. Heinrichs is a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and director of its Keystone Defense Initiative, where she focuses on U.S. national defense policy and strategic deterrence. She is also an adjunct professor at the Institute of World Politics, teaching nuclear deterrence theory, and serves on several high-level advisory bodies including the Strategic Posture Commission and U.S. Strategic Command Advisory Group.

• Ph.D. in Defense and Strategic Studies, Missouri State University (with distinction)
• M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies, U.S. Naval War College (highest distinction, Director’s Award)
• B.A. in History and Political Science, Ashland University (Ashbrook Scholar)

Her research spans strategic deterrence, nuclear policy, missile defense, arms control, and U.S. foreign policy, with a particular emphasis on U.S.-Israel relations, Iran, Russia, and China. She frequently contributes to public discourse through media appearances and commentaries.

Her recent publications and media appearances reveal a consistent focus on strengthening U.S. deterrence credibility, countering revisionist narratives in foreign policy, and advocating for robust alliances. Themes include the strategic use of military force, the dangers of isolationism, and the importance of maintaining a strong nuclear posture against peer adversaries.

• Director’s Award for academic excellence, U.S. Naval War College

Dr. Heinrichs advises on national security policy and has contributed to congressional commissions and defense strategy panels. She is a contributing editor of Providence: A Journal of Christianity and American Foreign Policy and serves on the Board of Trustees at Ashland University, though she does not lead a formal academic lab or research team. Her work bridges academia, policy, and public engagement.