Air War College Faculty, “Regional Tours of the World: the Reports”

Air War College Faculty, “Regional Security Studies Tours of the World: the Reports”

The moderator will be ALWAC’s Executive Director, Col. Mark Conversino, CAO of the Air University.

The Air War College’s Regional Security Studies (RSS) course prepares senior leaders to evaluate the economic, political, cultural, and security issues within a particular region; and provides the opportunity for students to gain unique perspectives by studying and visiting one of approximately 13 international regions.

This will be a hybrid event, so that you may register either for the reception and in-person event -- or for the Zoom only.

There will be four panelists:

Dr. Josh Goodman; his course studied the Middle East/Arab World

Joshua Goodman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of International Security Studies at Air War College. Before 2020, he taught international relations and the Middle East at St. Lawrence University. His interests include asymmetric warfare and the Middle East. He has previously taught classes on Middle Eastern politics, the Arab Spring, and the Arab-Israeli conflict. His first book examined tribe-state relations and identity politics among Bedouin in the Sinai peninsula of Egypt, amid globalization. Currently, he is working on a book about Saudi involvement in the Arab-Israeli peace process and security in the Arabian Gulf. Dr. Goodman holds a PhD from Yale University in Political Science and a Masters in Middle Eastern History from Tel Aviv University.

Col. Joe Musacchia, USAF; his course focused on SE Asia

Colonel Joseph A. Musacchia, Jr. is the Director of Staff for the United States Air Force War College (AWC), responsible for Air War College operations, serving as the single conduit for High Headquarters tasks. He also conducts research which supports the AWC mission; writes for publication, and supervises student research.

Col. Musacchia earned three degrees from Louisiana State University, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the Air University. He is a Security Forces officer with more than 26 years of experience. During his career, he has deployed supporting joint task forces and real-world contingencies; and has extensive leadership experience. Among his many decorations are the Defense Superior Service Medal; Bronze Star; and the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with seven oak leaf clusters.

Dr. Doug Peifer; his course focused on Northern Europe

Dr. Douglas Peifer is a Professor of Strategy and History in the Air War College. He received his PhD in Modern European History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1996. Dr. Peifer’s teaching and research interests are centered on European security issues, particularly Germany and Northern Europe; Arctic Security; NATO and the European Union; and Transatlantic Relations.

Some of Dr. Peifer’s publications include Choosing War (Oxford University Press, 2016); Genocide, Airpower, and Intervention (Air University Press, 2008); The Three German Navies (University Press of Florida, 2002); and over twenty chapters and articles in edited books and peer reviewed journals. Peifer has shared his insights at

https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Wild-Blue-Yonder/Article-Display/Article/2982010/partners-in-europes-high-north-norway-the-united-states-and-great-power-competi/

Finally, Dr. Ashly Townsen; his course studied East Africa, (Lt. Gen. Hecker traveled with them)

Dr. Ashly Townsen is an Assistant Professor of International Security Studies at the Air War College where he serves as the course director for the Great Power Competition. Dr. Townsen joined AWC from Washington State University and received his PhD from the University of Illinois. His interests lie in civil and international conflict, African politics, rebellion, development, and political psychology. His research has been published in numerous academic journals and he is working on a book about the psychology of rebel group participants.