Professor/Senior Fellos at Ohio State University/Cato Institute, United States
Summary:
Profile:
Education:
Professor John Mueller’s academic journey is distinguished by a robust foundation in political science and international relations. He began his higher education at the University of Chicago, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. Continuing his scholarly pursuits, Mueller pursued his Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Political Science at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). During this time, he was also recognized as a USPHS Fellow, a prestigious fellowship that likely enriched his research and academic development. Mueller’s educational path equipped him with deep insights into public opinion, foreign policy, and the dynamics of war and peace, areas that would later become focal points of his prolific academic career. His extensive academic training laid the groundwork for his influential contributions to political science, security studies, and public opinion research, shaping his role as a leading scholar and researcher in these fields.
Professional Experience
Professor John Mueller boasts a distinguished career in academia and research, spanning various esteemed roles. He began as an Assistant Professor at the University of Rochester in 1965, progressing to become a full Professor of Political Science and Film Studies by 1972, where he served until 2000. His tenure included significant contributions to the field of Film Studies from 1983 onward. In 2000, Mueller joined Ohio State University as the Woody Hayes Chair of National Security Studies at the Mershon Center for International Security Studies, maintaining this position until 2011. He continued as a Senior Research Scientist and Adjunct Professor at Ohio State University until 2020, when he assumed the title of Professor Emeritus in the Department of Political Science. Mueller’s research interests span public opinion, terrorism, international relations, and the intersection of film and dance studies, showcasing his interdisciplinary expertise and lasting influence in academia.
Research Interest
Professor John Mueller is a distinguished scholar specializing in political science and international security studies. His research is renowned for its rigorous examination of public opinion on war and terrorism, challenging prevalent perceptions with empirical evidence. Mueller’s work critically evaluates the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of counterterrorism strategies, questioning the allocation of resources based on perceived threats versus actual risks. His contributions extend to nuclear proliferation and deterrence policies, providing insightful analyses into global security dynamics. Mueller’s interdisciplinary approach also explores the influence of media and popular culture on public perceptions of security issues, emphasizing evidence-based policymaking. Throughout his career, Mueller has held prestigious academic positions and authored numerous influential books and monographs. His research not only informs scholarly discourse but also shapes practical approaches to national and international security challenges.
Research Skills
Research skills are foundational competencies critical for navigating the complexities of academic inquiry and contributing meaningfully to knowledge. These skills encompass a range of abilities essential for conducting thorough and effective research. Firstly, proficiency in information retrieval involves adeptly navigating libraries, databases, and online resources to gather pertinent literature and data. Coupled with this is the capacity for critical thinking, which enables researchers to evaluate the credibility, validity, and relevance of sources and information. Analytical skills are also pivotal, allowing researchers to interpret data, discern patterns or trends, and draw informed conclusions. Equally important is the ability to identify research gaps, formulate precise research questions, and design methodologies to address them effectively. Moreover, expertise in synthesizing existing literature through comprehensive literature reviews helps situate one’s research within broader academic debates. Familiarity with both quantitative and qualitative research methods further enriches the researcher’s toolkit, facilitating robust data collection and analysis. Finally, adherence to ethical guidelines ensures integrity in research practices, promoting transparency and trustworthiness in academic endeavors. These skills collectively empower researchers to contribute substantively to their fields and advance scholarly understanding.
Publications
- Aviation Resilience to Terrorist Hijackings
- Authors: Stewart, M.G., Mueller, J.
- Journal: Springer Tracts in Civil Engineering, 2022
- Pages: 69–91
- Terrorism and Bathtubs: Comparing and Assessing the Risks
- Authors: Mueller, J., Stewart, M.G.
- Journal: Terrorism and Political Violence, 2021, 33(1), pp. 138–163
- Citations: 14
- Terrorism risks, chasing ghosts and infrastructure resilience
- Authors: Stewart, M.G., Mueller, J.
- Journal: Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure, 2020, 5(1-2), pp. 78–89
- Citations: 13
- Risk and economic assessment of U.S. aviation security for passenger-borne bomb attacks
- Authors: Stewart, M.G., Mueller, J.
- Journal: Journal of Transportation Security, 2018, 11(3-4), pp. 117–136
- Citations: 9
- Nuclear weapons don’t matter: But nuclear hysteria does
- Author: Mueller, J.
- Journal: Foreign Affairs, 2018, 97(6), pp. 10–15
- Citations: 2
- The Iraq war and the management of American public opinion
- Author: Mueller, J.
- Book: Intelligence and national security policymaking on Iraq: British and American perspectives, 2018, pp. 126–148
- Citations: 1
- Is WMD terrorism a likely prospect in the future?
- Authors: Carpintero-Santamaría, N., Mueller, J.
- Book: Contemporary Debates on Terrorism, 2nd Edition, 2018, pp. 88–101
- Risk and economic assessment of expedited passenger screening and TSA PreCheck
- Authors: Stewart, M.G., Mueller, J.
- Journal: Journal of Transportation Security, 2017, 10(1-2), pp. 1–22
- Citations: 14
- Are we safe enough?: Measuring and assessing aviation security
- Authors: Stewart, M.G., Mueller, J.
- Book: Are We Safe Enough?: Measuring and Assessing Aviation Security, 2017, pp. 1–268
- Citations: 7
- Embracing threatlessness: US military spending, Newt Gingrich, and the Costa Rica option
- Author: Mueller, J.
- Book: US Grand Strategy in the 21st Century: The Case for Restraint, 2017, pp. 198–219