Michael B. Petersen is the founding director of the Russia Maritime Studies Institute and professor at the U.S. Naval War College. His work focuses on Russian naval operations and strategy as well as net assessments of high-intensity maritime conflict. Prior to his appointment, he served at the Defense Intelligence Agency and the National Security Council. He is author of books, articles, and essays on Russian maritime and naval strategy, as well as military intelligence and strategic weapons history. He holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Maryland, College Park.