Albert Wohlstetter

Albert Wohlstetter
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Name	Albert Wohlstetter
Birth date	December 19, 1913
Birth place	New York City
Death date	January 10, 1997
Death place	Los Angeles
Occupation	Mathematician, RAND Corporation researcher

Albert Wohlstetter was a prominent American mathematician and RAND Corporation researcher, known for his work on nuclear deterrence and strategic studies. His research focused on the Cold War, Soviet Union, and United States foreign policy, often in collaboration with notable thinkers like Herman Kahn and Thomas Schelling. Wohlstetter's work had a significant impact on United States foreign policy, particularly during the Vietnam War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was also influenced by the works of Carl von Clausewitz and Henry Kissinger.

● Early Life and Education

Wohlstetter was born in New York City to a family of Jewish immigrants from Poland. He developed an interest in mathematics and physics at an early age, attending City College of New York and later Columbia University, where he studied under Harold Hotelling. Wohlstetter's education was also influenced by the works of Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr, and he was particularly interested in the applications of mathematics to economics and politics, as seen in the works of John von Neumann and Oskar Morgenstern. During his time at Columbia University, Wohlstetter was exposed to the ideas of Frank Knight and Milton Friedman, which would later shape his thoughts on strategic studies.

● Career

Wohlstetter began his career as a mathematician, working on applied mathematics problems for the National Bureau of Standards and later for the Office of Naval Research. In the 1950s, he joined the RAND Corporation, where he worked alongside notable researchers like Bernard Brodie and Andrew Marshall. Wohlstetter's work at RAND Corporation focused on nuclear strategy and deterrence theory, and he was influenced by the ideas of Nikita Khrushchev and Mao Zedong. He also collaborated with United States Air Force and United States Department of Defense officials, including Robert McNamara and Henry Kissinger, on issues related to national security and foreign policy. Wohlstetter's research was also informed by the works of George Kennan and Paul Nitze, and he was a strong supporter of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

● Nuclear Deterrence Theories

Wohlstetter's work on nuclear deterrence was highly influential, and he is often credited with developing the concept of second-strike capability. His research focused on the Soviet Union's nuclear arsenal and the United States' ability to deter a nuclear attack. Wohlstetter's theories were shaped by the ideas of Thomas Schelling and Herman Kahn, and he was also influenced by the works of Carl von Clausewitz and Sun Tzu. He was a strong advocate for the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and he worked closely with United States Navy and United States Air Force officials to develop nuclear strategy. Wohlstetter's work on nuclear deterrence was also informed by the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Able Archer incident, and he was a strong supporter of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks.

● Influence and Legacy

Wohlstetter's work had a significant impact on United States foreign policy, particularly during the Cold War. His theories on nuclear deterrence influenced the development of United States nuclear strategy, and he was a key advisor to United States Department of Defense officials, including Robert McNamara and Donald Rumsfeld. Wohlstetter's research also influenced the work of other notable thinkers, including Henry Kissinger and Zbigniew Brzezinski. He was a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and he received the National Medal of Science for his contributions to strategic studies. Wohlstetter's legacy continues to be felt in the field of international relations, with his work influencing scholars such as Joseph Nye and Robert Jervis.

● Personal Life

Wohlstetter was married to Robert Wohlstetter's wife, Roberta Wohlstetter, a prominent historian and biographer. He was a close friend and colleague of Herman Kahn and Thomas Schelling, and he was also acquainted with notable figures like Daniel Ellsberg and Noam Chomsky. Wohlstetter was a strong supporter of the State of Israel and was involved in various pro-Israel organizations, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. He passed away on January 10, 1997, in Los Angeles, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential thinkers on nuclear deterrence and strategic studies of the 20th century, with his work continuing to influence scholars at institutions such as Harvard University and Stanford University. Category:American mathematicians