Colin Kahl is the Steven C. Házy Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies. From April 2021 until July 2023, he served as the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy at the US Department of Defense. During the Obama Administration, Kahl served as Deputy Assistant to the President and National Security Advisor to the Vice President from October 2014 to January 2017, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East from February 2009 to December 2011. He previously taught at Georgetown University and the University of Minnesota. Kahl received his BA in political science from the University of Michigan (1993) and his PhD in political science from Columbia University (2000).
Steven C. Házy Senior Fellow, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University; former Under Secretary for Policy
United States Department of Defense
Meet Colin Kahl
A short portrait filmed at the Hans Arnhold Center, introducing the work and ideas behind fellows’ projects in Berlin.
Upcoming events
Discover what’s coming up in the Academy’s public program this semester.
Past events
Lectures, readings, and conversations from the Academy’s public program.
Colin Kahl discusses the military and security implications for the US of China’s growing assertiveness, Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, and changing patterns of global alignment.
9 Oct 2023
Berlin Journal Articles
Essays, interviews, and creative work published in the Academy’s annual magazine.
Books
Books written by fellows of the Academy, many begun during a semester in Berlin.
Videos
Lectures, readings, and conversations filmed at the Hans Arnhold Center.
US Defense Strategy in an Era of Major Power Competition
Colin Kahl oversaw the drafting of the 2022 National Defense Strategy as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. In this talk, he discusses the military and security implications of China’s growing assertiveness, Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, and changing patterns of global alignment.
9 Oct 2023
Explore Past Distinguished Visitors
Jill Abramson
Former Executive Editor, The New York Times; Senior Lecturer, Harvard University
David Adjmi
Playwright, London
Mahnaz Afkhami
Founder and President, Women’s Learning Partnership
Liaquat Ahamed
Author and Investment Manager, Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited