Dr. Colin Kahl

Professor

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Biography

Colin Kahl is the Steven C. Házy Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Center for International Security Cooperation (CISAC) and a professor of political science by courtesy at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies. Previously, he served as the principal adviser to the Secretary of Defense on matters related to national security and defense policy and was a standing member of the National Security Council Deputies’ Committee. Dr. Kahl played a crucial role in overseeing the writing of the 2022 National Defense Strategy and managing the U.S. Department of Defense’s response to various international crises. His notable achievements include significant initiatives in defense diplomacy, strengthening NATO alliances, and enhancing defense posture in partnership with countries like Australia, Japan, and India. He has published extensively in major journals and has contributed to several significant works in the field. In addition to his academic roles, he has held various fellowships and has taught at prestigious institutions such as Georgetown University and the University of Minnesota. Dr. Kahl holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Michigan and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Columbia University.

Research Interests

Experience

Senior Fellow, Professor (By courtesy)

— Present

Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University • Stanford, CA

Director of the Freeman Spogli Institute, involved in interdisciplinary research on international security.

Principal Adviser to the Secretary of Defense

2021-04-01 — 2023-07-01

U.S. Department of Defense •

Oversaw the National Defense Strategy and managed responses to international crises.

Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs

2014-10-01 — 2017-01-01

The White House •

Served under President Obama and Vice President Biden.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East

2009-02-01 — 2011-12-01

U.S. Department of Defense •

Involved in Middle Eastern defense policy.

Awards

#

Department of Defense Distinguished Public Service Medal

2023-06-01
#

Outstanding Public Service Medal

2011-07-01

Courses

INTNLREL 114S POLISCI 114S INTLPOL 299 INTLPOL 306 EPS 194 EPS 204 INTLPOL 256 SIW 161

Requirements for Stanford University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:165
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Overall
Required:4.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree from an accredited institution Strong background in mathematics and programming
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.