Naval War College professor authors one of year’s most impactful ideas

Tom Nichols, professor of National Security Affairs and author of the book “The Death of Expertise,” was cited by the popular periodical for “defending experts in an anti-factual age.”
One of U.S. Naval War College’s (NWC) best-known professors has been named one of the top 50 “key thinkers, doers and visionaries who are reshaping American politics and policy” of 2017 by POLITICO magazine. (Coutesy photo)
NEWPORT, R.I. – One of U.S. Naval War College’s (NWC) best-known professors has been named one of the top 50 “key thinkers, doers and visionaries who are reshaping American politics and policy” of 2017 by POLITICO magazine. 

Tom Nichols, professor of National Security Affairs and author of the book “The Death of Expertise,” was cited by the popular periodical for “defending experts in an anti-factual age.” 

Nichols is the highest-rated academic on the list.

“It took me by surprise,” said Nichols of learning of the honor. “It’s really gratifying to know that other people who work with matters of national policy think this is an important idea. I really am honored by it.”

The POLITICO 50 is not a traditional power ranking of political figures, but of people whose ideas are moving forward the American political agenda, according to what POLITICO told Nichols.

Nichols has brought additional prestige to NWC as well.

“This means that Tom is nationally and really internationally known for his ideas. Being on this list, he raises the profile of the Naval War College,” said Derek Reveron, a professor in National Security Affairs at NWC, and Nichols’ colleague.

NWC is a one-year resident program that graduates about 600 resident students and about 1,000 distance learning students each year. Its primary mission is to educate and develop future leaders. Additional missions include: helping to define the future Navy and its roles and missions, supporting combat readiness, strengthening global maritime partnerships, promoting ethics and leadership throughout the force, contributing knowledge to shape effective decisions through our John B. Hattendorf Center for Maritime Historical Research, providing expertise and advice to the international legal community through the Stockton Center for the Study of International Law. Students earn Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) credit and either a diploma or a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies or Defense and Strategic Studies. Established in 1884, U.S. Naval War College is the oldest institution of its kind in the world. More than 50,000 students have graduated since its first class of nine students in 1885 and about 300 of today’s active duty admirals, generals and senior executive service leaders are alumni.

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Daniel S. Kuester, U.S. Naval War College Public Affairs
September 07, 2017

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