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Kevin Cooney, Ph.D.
Distinguished Affiliate Faculty

Kevin Cooney, Ph.D.

Bio

Dr. Kevin Cooney joined the faculty of the Robertson School of Government at Regent University in 2019. He is a noted scholar on East Asian security and Japanese foreign policy, as well as cybersecurity. Several of his books are required reading in various Asian foreign ministries. He has served as an expert commentator on Asian security and policy for global media outlets. Dr. Cooney has lectured extensively throughout Japan, China, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

In 2020, Dr. Cooney became the 2nd President of the Wilberforce International Institute. Kevin has his Ph.D. in International Relations from Arizona State University, a Post-Doc in Business from the University of Florida, a MA from Lancaster University (UK), and a BA from Oral Roberts University. He holds a Visiting Professor position at Ritsumeikan Asian Pacific University (APU) in Japan, in addition to teaching graduate courses at Regent University. He has previously taught at Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, Union University, and Northwest University, earning both tenure and the rank of full professor.

Dr. Cooney has published widely, including Japanese Foreign Policy Since 1945 and Rising China and International Security: America and East Asia Respond, and for the past fifteen years has served as director of the Liberty Tree Seminars series, funded by the Charles Koch Charitable Foundation. Dr. Cooney has been married to Atsuko for 30+ years, and together they have two children. The Cooneys reside in Snoqualmie, Washington, outside of Seattle.

Publications

Kevin J. Cooney et al., Christ in Job and Career: Daily Devotions for Christians at Work. Lexington, Kentucky: Emeth Press, 2017.

Kevin J. Cooney et al., The Christ Worker: Devotions for Christians in Career and Workplace. Lexington, Kentucky: Emeth Press, 2016.

James D. Slack, editor. Devotions for the Christian Public Servant. Lexington, Kentucky: Emeth Press, 2014. (contributor)

Kevin J. Cooney and Yoichiro Sato, editors. Rising China and International Security: America and East Asia Respond. New York and London: Routledge Publishers, 2009.
Kevin J. Cooney, Japanese Foreign Policy since 1945. New York: M.E. Sharpe Publishers, 2007.

Kevin J. Cooney, Japan’s Foreign Policy Maturation: A Quest for Normalcy. New York: Routledge Publishers, 2002.

Kevin J. Cooney, “China and Black Swan Theory: How long will China be able to set its own agenda?” chapter in INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM IN TRANSFORMATION: CHINA AND EAST ASIA. China University of Law and Political Science Press, 2011.

Peer Review Articles:

Asia Policy: “No More Passing: Japan’s Foreign Policy in Interesting Times.” (October 2018, Volume 13, No. 4)

The Review of Faith & International Affairs, “Religious Freedom in Japan: Research Needs in History and Social Science.” (Volume II, Number II, Summer 2013), pp. 101–108.

Asian Affairs: “Japan and South Korea: Can these two nations work together?” (Fall 2008, Volume 35, no. 3, pp. 173–192) with Alex Scarbrough.

Asian Perspective: “Alternative Visions of Japanese Security: The Role of Absolute and Relative Gains in the Making of Japanese Security Policy." (Vol. 29, No. 3, 2005, pp. 127–154).

Asian Perspective: “Nissan Syndrome and Structural Reform in Japan: Will It Take a Gaijin?” (Vol. 28, No. 2, 2004, pp. 5–34).

Podcast Guest:

Research on Religion: “ Kevin Cooney on Christianity in Japan ”

Research on Religion: “ Kevin Cooney on Religion and the Rule of Law in China ”