David Brannan, Ph.D
Associate Professor
Office: Emergency Services Department
Dr. Brannan is an innovator and world authority in the field of homeland security, terrorism analysis, and the use of Social Identity Theory in countering extremism and terrorism. Brannan holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Theology from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, where he focused on the study of theologically motivated terrorism. Dr. Brannan combines deep academic knowledge with real-world experience and practicality. He has an extensive background in domestic and international extremism, terrorism, and violent subnational group conflict. In addition to serving in domestic law enforcement, Dr. Brannan was the Director of Security Policy and MOI Chief of Staff for the Department of Defense, Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq.
Dr. Brannan spent 20 years as senior faculty with the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, lecturing on international and domestic terrorism, extremism, discourse analysis, and ethics. He served as President of Agile Research & Technology, which developed and delivered analytical, educational, technological, and research-based solutions to strengthen the nation’s homeland security and defense capabilities. Dr. Brannan spent five years as a Policy Analyst with the think tank RAND, researching and writing on terrorism and law enforcement issues. He is also the Vice President of Strategy at The Hoffman Group, a counterterrorism-focused research and education organization. Dr. Brannan is an avid stockman, wilderness aficionado, biker, saddle maker, husband to his high school sweetheart, and father of two daughters who routinely baffle him.
