Robert S. Wood - National Security Affairs

National Security Affairs

Wood was the holder of the Chester W. Nimitz Chair of National Security at the United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, where he also served as Dean of the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group, and Dean (later, Dean Emeritus) of the Center for Naval Warfare Studies, a focal point of strategic and campaign thought in the naval services and a major research group in the national security field.

As part of his responsibilities at the Naval War College, and to the larger military and civilian infrastructure, he has directed war gaming, research, and analysis, for decision makers at the senior levels of the U.S. government, earning his reputation as one of the world's leading authorities on gaming and simulations as an aid to decision-making. After serving as Dean of the Naval War College Strategy Department from 1980-1983 Wood was appointed as Dean of the Center for Naval Warfare Studies in 1983. During his time in this position, the four elements of the Center - wargaming, advanced research, the Strategic Studies Group, and the Naval War College Press-- "were integrated to become the Chief of Naval Operations's think tank of first resort." During this period, in his capacity as Director of the Center for Naval Warfare Studies, he oversaw the largest gaming series in U.S. history, "The Global War Games" which included hundreds of senior military and civilian leaders who came together for a two- to three-week period to explore conflict and crisis scenarios, and to explore alternative strategies, policies, and operational plans. During the course of his career he has provided advice on a number of occasions to the White House, the Congress, and the Department of Defense, and represent the United States in meetings with Soviet and British officials during the Cold War.

Wood received a bachelor's degree in history from Stanford University and master's and Ph.D. in political science from Harvard University. In addition to teaching the Naval War College, Wood has held faculty positions at Harvard University, Bentley College, the University of Virginia, the University of Tilburg and the University of Groningen. Additionally, he has served as visiting professor and lecturer at many prominent universities and institutions at home and abroad, and has been a frequent lecturer at the National Defense University and at all of the U.S. Military Senior Service Schools, the NATO Defense College, and the Federal Executive Institute. He has also authored, co-authored, edited, or contributed to 21 other books and numerous articles on public affairs, executive development, international affairs, and national security policy.