Terence M. Nicholas is a professor in the War Gaming Department of the Center for Naval Warfare Studies at the U.S. Naval War College. His naval operations experience is as a surface warfare officer, and reserve staff officer with 7th Fleet. His research background has spanned both military and civilian positions to include research for the Naval War College, the Office of Naval Intelligence, Naval Sea Systems Command and maritime industry. His doctoral research focused on the relationship between China's Belt and Road Initiative and its geopolitical influence potential.