Dr. David Polatty

Biography

Dave Polatty is a Senior Fellow at the Watson Institute, teaching undergraduate courses and conducting humanitarian research. He has spent 40 combined years in U.S. government service in multiple leadership roles, including as a civilian professor at the U.S. Naval War College and a Captain in the U.S. Navy Reserve. His professional experiences focus on humanitarian response, national human security, strategy development, and crisis planning. Dave is a fourth-generation U.S. Navy officer, having served 30 years and retiring as Captain. From 2009 to 2019, he commanded five Navy Reserve units that supported multinational U.S. military operations globally. His active duty spanned from 1992 to 2003, during which he served as a Surface Warfare Officer and a Naval Flight Officer. From 2008 to 2022, he was a civilian professor at the U.S. Naval War College, where he founded and directed the Humanitarian Response Program and taught numerous postgraduate courses on strategic planning and crisis response. He holds a BS in History from the U.S. Naval Academy, graduated with highest distinction from the U.S. Naval War College with an M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies, and received the Navy League William S. Sims Award. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Joint Forces Staff College and has been awarded the Legion of Merit and numerous personal and unit awards during his service.

Research Interests