Dr. Richard Samuels

Professor

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Biography

Richard Samuels is the Ford International Professor of Political Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Director of the Center for International Studies. His research revolves around Japanese politics, Asian security, and grand strategy, focusing on the implications of political leadership and national security. He has served as the head of the MIT Political Science Department and held significant roles including Vice-Chair of the Committee for Japan National Research Council and Chair of the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission. Among his notable works is 'Securing Japan: Tokyo's Grand Strategy for Future East Asia,' which was a finalist for the Lionel Gelber Prize in international affairs. He has received various honors, including an appointment to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and an imperial decoration from the Emperor of Japan. His contributions to the field are also reflected in his publications in esteemed journals such as Foreign Affairs and International Security. Samuels has been recognized for his significant analysis of Japanese security and intelligence community changes in regional geopolitics in the context of U.S.-Japan relations. His latest work, 'Special Duty: History of Japan's Intelligence Community,' has garnered attention and acclaim.

Research Interests

Experience

Ford International Professor

2004-09-01 — Present

Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Cambridge, MA

Teaching and conducting research on political science with a focus on Japanese and Asian security issues.

Courses

17.486 Japan East Asian Security 17.53 Rise of Asia 17.488 Simulating Global Dynamics War 17.538 Politics and Policy of Contemporary Japan 17.541/17.543 Introduction to Japanese Politics and Society 17.591 Research Seminar in Applied International Studies