Areas of Expertise

• Computer Science
• Law
• Data Privacy
• Cyber Security
• Artificial Intelligence

Academic Degrees

• L.L.M. Law, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
• J.D. Law, with honors, Georgetown University
• M.S. Computer Systems, U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology 
• B.S. Mathematics and Computer Science, University of New Hampshire

Richard Magnan joined the Marshall Center in August 2023 and is Professor of Law and Cyber Security in the Transnational Security Studies Department. Drawing on his private and public sector experience as a computer scientist and lawyer, his research focuses on issues related to law and technology. 

Prior to joining the Marshall Center, Professor Magnan served in the U.S. European Command J5 and J6 directorates handling international legal agreements, data privacy, cloud computing, and interoperability. As the General Counsel, Chief Information Officer, and Chief of Cybersecurity at Rising Tide in Switzerland he handled all legal issues for a group of companies in the healthcare and intellectual property fields. In the international law field, he served as legal advisor to U.S. ambassadors at the U.S. Mission to NATO and the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, where he was legal advisor for the nuclear weapon treaties. As a U.S. Air Force Colonel, he served in a variety of command and staff positions as a lawyer, computer scientist, international politico-military affairs officer, and intelligence officer. In addition, he served as an attorney and computer scientist in various positions with private industry and international organizations. As a National Defense Fellow at Harvard University, Professor Magnan researched and published on law and technology.

Additionally, Professor Magnan received the following awards: Legal 500 GC Powerlist (Switzerland), Defense Superior Service Medal (four awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.