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Thomas M. Nichols, Ph.D.

University Professor National Security Affairs
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Biography

Tom Nichols is a U.S. Naval War College University Professor, and an adjunct at the U.S. Air Force School of Strategic Force Studies and the Harvard Extension School. He is a specialist on Russian affairs, nuclear strategy, NATO issues, and a nationally-known commentator on U.S. politics and national security. He was a staff member in the United States Senate, a fellow at CSIS and the Harvard Kennedy School, and previously taught at Dartmouth, La Salle, and Georgetown. He is also a five-time undefeated 'Jeopardy!' champion, and was noted in the 'Jeopardy!' Hall of Fame after his 1994 appearances as one of the all-time best players of the game.

Contact Information

(401) 841-7507

Areas of Expertise

  • Civil-Military Relations
  • Cold War
  • Deterrence
  • Foreign Policy
  • International Relations
  • NATO
  • Nuclear
  • Russia

Professional Highlights

2016

Adjunct Professor, USAF School of Strategic Force Studies

Named one of nine inaugural professors (along with former Secretary of Defense William Perry and other new faculty) in the Air Force School of Strategic Force Studies, specializing in nuclear deterrence issues.
2011

Fellow, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

A joint appointment in then International Security and Managing the Atom programs, where I wrote a book on nuclear strategy.
2005

Adjunct Professor, Harvard Extension School

Teaching courses on nuclear weapons, the Cold War, and national security issues. Worked with Harvard the U.S. Air Force to create a Certificate in Nuclear Deterrence Studies.
1996

Associate Professor, Dartmouth College

Taught comparative politics and Russian affairs in the Department of Government
1991

U.S. Senate

Foreign policy and national defense personal staff to US Senator John Heinz.
1988

Fellow, Center for Strategic and International Studies

Fellow in in the Soviet Studies project.

Education

Ph.D., Georgetown University

M.A., Columbia University

B.A., Boston University

C.V. or Resume

Research Contributions and Publications

Please see C.V.

Articles by this Professor Publications by this Professor

Awards and Decorations

2018 Citta della Rose Book Prize
Awarded best foreign author prize of 2018 by the jury of Roseto degli Abruzzi, Italy, for The Death of Expertise.

2018 University Professor, Naval War College
Named a University Professor of the Naval War College, “recognizing superior scholarship and a depth of understanding and accomplishment that enables teaching across the spectrum of the College’s curriculum.”

2017 POLITICO Magazine
Named one of the “POLITICO 50” for 2017, as one of the 50 “key thinkers, doers, and visionaries reshaping American politics and policy.”

US Navy Civilian Meritorious Service Medal

Harvard University Extension School Petra Shattuck Memorial Teaching Award

Naval War College Professional Achievement Award

External Memberships and Associations

American Political Science Association

Inter-University Seminar on Armed Forces and Society

Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs

News, Media, & Events

All News & Media
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VIDEO: 45 Seconds on Doing Something Worthwhile

Jun. 24, 2019
News Publication
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Maritime Irregular Warfare Workshop

Jun. 25, 2019
9:00 a.m.
Mahan Reading Room, U.S. Naval War College, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841
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U.S.-India Ties: Long-Term Courtship, but No Marriage in Sight

Jun. 12, 2019
The National Interest
Article Publication

Material and external links contained herein are made available for the purpose of peer review and discussion and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Naval War College, Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense.