Overview
Farooq Hussain is a British-American author and scientist whose work spans international security, nuclear policy, environmental science, and technological innovation. With decades of experience in academia, government research, and corporate leadership, he brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to global challenges.
A multidisciplinary thinker, Hussain has written extensively on the relationship between science and society, with a particular focus on international security and arms control. He earned his PhD from the Department of War Studies at King’s College London in 1979, where he was supervised by the late Professor Sir Laurence Martin. His doctoral research, Strategic, Theatre, and Tactical Nuclear Weapons in Europe, laid the foundation for a career at the intersection of policy and technology.
Following his time at King’s, he joined the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London as a research associate, where his Adelphi Paper was published in 1980. He later became a Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford and Harvard before joining NATO as a senior scientific staff member. In 1985, he was named a NATO Research Fellow and became Director of Studies at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London.
His career later shifted toward technology and telecommunications, where he played a key role in the transition of NSFNET to commercial internet services as a program manager and Principal Investigator at the National Science Foundation (NSF). He went on to hold leadership and advisory roles at major telecommunications companies, including Sprint, MCI, and Telia. Since 2021, he has focused on private consulting and writing.
Dr. Hussain’s expertise spans international relations, emerging technologies, and the broader implications of scientific and technological innovation. His writing continues to engage readers across disciplines, exploring the complex interplay between technological progress, global security, and societal change.
Through this website, blog, and Substack newsletter he shares insights on topics that reflect his ongoing projects and interests—ranging from international security and arms control to biographical stories of twentieth-century scientific figures.
Feel free to explore, comment, or reach out. I look forward to the conversation.
Academic Background
- PhD in War Studies (1979)
King’s College, University of London
Thesis: “Strategic, Theater and Tactical Nuclear Weapons in Europe”
Supervisor: Professor Laurence Martin - Post-Doctoral Research
- Ford Foundation Fellow, Stanford University (under Sidney Drell)
- Ford Foundation Fellow, Harvard University, JFK School (under Paul Doty)
- Research Associate, International Institute for Strategic Studies, London (1979-1980)
Research and Publications
Notable Works
- “Living Underwater” (1970) – An early exploration of environmental change impacts on oceans
- Adelphi Paper on Nuclear and Ballistic Missile Test Restrictions (1981)
- Numerous publications in prestigious journals including Nature and New Scientist
- Currently working on a biography of Edward Teller’s role in the development of the hydrogen bomb
Scientific Research
- Conducted research on dolphin echolocation and communication under Professor Maurice H F Wilkins at King’s College, London
- Constructed a facsimile of the Watson-Crick double-helix model (currently housed in the Science Museum, London)
Professional Experience
International Security and Policy
- Director of Studies and NATO Fellow, Royal United Services Institute for Defense Studies, London (1984-1986)
- Senior Project Scientist, NATO Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
- Senior Consultant, European Union, Brussels (1987-1991)
- Led studies for European Community Directorates-General
- Conducted research for the Institute for Defense Analysis, Washington, D.C.
Internet and Telecommunications Leadership
- Principal Investigator, NSF Network Access Point (NAP) Manager for NSFNET
- Team Member, US National Science Foundation (NSF) International Connections Manager Program
- Executive Positions:
- President, Mediagate Inc.
- Head of Internet Strategy and Planning, Concert Communications/MCI-BT
- Executive Manager of Internet Marketing, MCI
- Senior Management, Global Data Services division, Sprint International (1991-1994)
Sprint Leadership (1991-1994)
- Led planning and implementation of commercial international Internet service
- Developed business cases for dedicated and dial-up services
- Negotiated key agreements with Minnesota Supercomputer Center and San Diego Supercomputer Center
- Represented Sprint in various technical forums including:
- Federal Network Council Advisory Committee
- Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)
- International Engineering Planning Group (IEPG)
Current Work
- Independent analysis consultant focusing on innovation research
- Specializes in emerging technologies, including blockchain and AI
- Continues writing on science, society, and global affairs
- Biography work on notable 20th-century scientists
Contact Information
Last Updated: February, 12, 2025