Robert Spalding
Robert Spalding is Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of SEMPRE, the continuation of his vision for secure digital infrastructure created while at the NSC. He currently serves as a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute where his work focuses on U.S.–China relations, economic and national security, and the Asia-Pacific military balance. General Spalding has served in senior positions of strategy and diplomacy within the Defense and State Departments for more than 26 years, retiring as a brigadier general. He was the Chief Architect of the framework for national competition in the Trump Administration's widely praised National Security Strategy (NSS), and the Senior Director for Strategy to the President. He is a national security policy strategist, and globally recognized for his knowledge of Chinese economic competition and influence, as well as for his ability to forecast global trends and develop innovative solutions. His innovation while serving in the White House has led to a reset in national security and public policy regarding telecommunications in the US as well as globally.
Robert Spalding Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
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Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer
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Senior Fellow
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Special Assistant to the Vice Chief of Staff
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Senior Director for Strategic Planning, NSC
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Senior Military Fellow
Academic History
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Ph.D., Economics and Mathematics
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M.S./B.S., Agricultural Economics
CURRENT APPOINTMENTS
Board Member, Jamestown Foundation
Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute
Research Professor, Institute of World Politics
Senior Adviser, Center for American Defense Studies
Member, NACD
Council on Foreign Relations
Air Force Association
Daedalians
AIR FORCE & DEFENSE
He was promoted to brigadier general in 2016, and assumed the duties of Special Assistant to the U.S. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff in 2018.
He is a former China strategist for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff at the Pentagon.
As a Special Assistant to the Vice Chief of Staff, he led various initiatives related to strategic competition, cyber security and global communications.
He was also a Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché to China.
He was a Senior Director for Strategic Planning, National Security Council, White House, Washington D.C.
He is a skilled combat leader, promoter of technological advances to achieve improved unit performance, and a seasoned diplomat.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster