Dr. Matthew Waxman

Professor

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Biography

Matthew C. Waxman is a nationally known authority in national security law, cybersecurity, terrorism, intelligence, and armed conflict. He brings perspective as a senior government official to his scholarship on war powers, military technology regulation, counterterrorism, and surveillance. His writing appears regularly in the Lawfare national security blog, and his expertise is sought in media interviews and congressional testimony. Waxman is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and serves as an adjunct senior fellow at Law and Foreign Policy. Joining Columbia Law School in 2008, Waxman previously held senior positions at the State Department, Defense Department, and the National Security Council during the George W. Bush administration. He was involved in the White House response to the September 11 attacks in 2001 and later served as deputy assistant secretary of defense, ensuring compliance with the Geneva Conventions at military detention sites. In 2006, he led the U.S. delegation to the United Nations Human Rights Committee in Geneva. Additionally, Waxman completed clerkships with Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter and Judge Joel M. Flaum of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit. He also worked as a defense analyst at the RAND Corporation and teaches courses focusing on the law of armed conflict and the dilemmas faced by military officers in the field.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2008-01-01 — Present

Columbia Law School • New York, NY

Teaching courses on national security law and armed conflict, drawing on extensive government experience.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense

2005-01-01 — 2006-01-01

U.S. Department of Defense • Washington, D.C.

Oversaw compliance with Geneva Conventions at military detention sites.

Principal Deputy Director for Policy Planning

2006-01-01 — 2008-01-01

U.S. Department of State • Washington, D.C.

Led U.S. delegation to UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva.

Requirements for Columbia Law School

Bachelor Program
Requirements
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent
Application Checklist
  • LSAC CAS Registration
  • Application Form
  • Application Fee ($85)
  • Academic Transcripts
  • LSAT or GRE Scores
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • Résumé
  • Personal Statement
  • Dean's Appraisal/Certification
Specialization Notes

Juris Doctor (J.D.) program. While 'Department of Law' is not a formal administrative division for admissions, this entry covers the primary J.D. program.