David J. Rothkopf

David J. Rothkopf is an American author, foreign policy analyst, and media commentator known for his work on global power structures and international relations. He is the CEO of the The Rothkopf Group, a media and advisory firm, and has held senior positions in both government and the private sector. Rothkopf is a frequent contributor to major publications and a host on NPR, offering analysis on U.S. national security, geopolitics, and economic policy.

Early life and education

David J. Rothkopf was born in New York City and developed an early interest in international affairs. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Columbia University, graduating with a degree in political science. He continued his education at the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs, earning a Master of International Affairs, which provided a foundation for his future career in Washington policy circles and global analysis.

Career

Rothkopf began his career at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, focusing on trade and economic policy. During the Clinton Administration, he served as Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Policy, working on initiatives like the NAFTA and policies toward China. He later became Managing Director of Kissinger Associates, the consulting firm of former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. In 2005, he founded the media company Garten Rothkopf, which was later renamed The Rothkopf Group. He has served as CEO of Foreign Policy magazine, part of The Washington Post Company, and was the editor of the journal Foreign Policy. He is a visiting scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and has been a member of the Council on Foreign Relations for decades. Rothkopf is also a regular panelist on the NPR program Inside Washington and a contributor to BBC, CNN, and MSNBC.

Publications

David J. Rothkopf is a prolific author of books examining power and global governance. His notable works include Running the World: The Inside Story of the National Security Council and the Architects of American Power, which details the history of the White House's key foreign policy body. His book Superclass: The Global Power Elite and the World They Are Making analyzes the interconnected network of influential leaders in politics, finance, and industry. In National Insecurity: American Leadership in an Age of Fear, he critiques post-9/11 U.S. security strategy. Other publications include The Great Questions of Tomorrow and Power, Inc.: The Epic Rivalry Between Corporate Power and Government. His articles have appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Financial Times, and Foreign Policy magazine.

Views and commentary

Rothkopf's commentary often centers on the evolving nature of global power, arguing that traditional state-centric models are being challenged by non-state actors, multinational corporations, and technological change. He has been critical of what he perceives as the dysfunctional nature of contemporary U.S. Congress|Congressional politics and its impact on American foreign policy. A frequent commentator on the Trump administration, he analyzed its approach to institutions like the NATO and relationships with adversaries such as Russia and North Korea. He advocates for a more adaptive and strategic U.S. leadership role in addressing transnational challenges like climate change, cybersecurity, and global public health, often emphasizing the importance of alliances and international cooperation.

Personal life

David J. Rothkopf married Dr. Camille Massey, a lawyer and academic, in 2003. The couple has two children and resides in Washington, D.C.. He is known to be an avid reader and a student of history, interests that deeply inform his writing and analytical work. Rothkopf maintains an active presence on social media platforms, engaging with a global audience on current events and policy debates.

Category:American political writers Category:American political commentators Category:1955 births Category:Living people Category:Columbia University alumni Category:Foreign policy analysts