Dr. Whittaker currently is Dean of Faculty and Academic Programs at the
Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF), National Defense University,
Ft. Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C.
Since his appointment to NDU in 1990, Dr. Whittaker has served as Director
of Exercises and Simulations, Director of Regional Studies, and Chairman of
the Department of National Security Studies. His teaching areas have included
International Relations, USG inter-agency dynamics, US National Security
Strategy and Policy, Political Psychology, and Ethno-Political Conflict. His current
research interests include understanding how cultural and psychological
factors contribute to problems in international relations; intra- and international conflict prevention,
management and resolution; psychological assessments of political leaders and leadership
groups, and the psychology of terrorists and terrorist groups.
His most recent publication is an annual report on: “The National Security Policy Process: The
National Security Council and Inter-agency System” which is used at the White House, State
Department, in the USG’s war college system, and at numerous colleges and universities.
Prior to his appointment at NDU, Dr. Whittaker worked as a political psychologist and intelligence
analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency. At the CIA, Dr. Whittaker worked on psychological
analyses of foreign leaders and leadership groups in the USSR, China, and Eastern Europe,
international politics and conflict, international negotiations, and cross-cultural psychological differences.
During his government career, Dr. Whittaker has served on the Intelligence Community Staff, as
an advisor for summit meetings, bi-lateral and multi-lateral negotiations, and inter-state and ethnic
conflict working groups. His awards include CIA, Intelligence Community Staff, and National
Defense University citations for Exceptional Accomplishment and Exceptional Performance, and
the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service Institute’s Adjunct Faculty Award. He is a regular
speaker for the National Youth Leadership Forum. Dr. Whittaker was named NDU’s “Professor of
the Year” at ICAF in 2004.
Dr. Whittaker holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology (University of North Texas), a
Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology (Southern Methodist University), a Ph.D.
in Clinical-Community Psychology and a Ph.D. in International Studies (University of South
Carolina). He is a member of the American Psychological Association and other professional organizations,
including having served on the Executive Committee and the Governing Council of the
International Society of Political Psychology.
11/14/2008