Seoul Forum Draws Experts For Discussion On Korean Reunification
Dr. William J. Parker III spoke at the The International Forum on One Korea, titled “Historic Opportunity for Korean Reunification: Vision, Leadership, Action,” which convened on the eve of Korea’s 74th National Liberation Day. Dr. Parker said that the first step in securing peace on the peninsula is addressing the issue of human rights. He…
The one idea I wish every leader knew
Leaders blaze the trail for classrooms, companies, countries, and more. Sometimes we wish we could make a suggestion on their direction. William Parker reveals one such idea. Dr. William J. Parker III talks about negotiating with North Korea on TEDTalk-o-matic — “an innovation in media that allows 60-second ideas to come to life.” Link to…
Trump administration warns UN of further budget cuts
The U.S. negotiates $285 million cut in United Nations budget after its vote to condemn the U.S. decision on Israel; reaction and analysis from Amb. John Bolton, Fox News contributor David Webb and William Parker, COO of the EastWest Institute. In this video they talk about the following subjetc: U.S. negotiates $285 million cut in…
Dr. William Parker III | International Forum on One Korea 2017 | Washington D.C.
Dr. Wiliiam J. Parker III presented his message in the opening plenary of the International Forum on One Korea 2017, titled: Strengthening US, ROK and International Cooperation for Northeast Asia Peace and Security with the theme “International Policy & Civil Society”. The event was held in the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C. The…
Why Russia is Still a Challenge | Dr. William J. Parker III
Watch as distinguished national security expert Dr. William J. Parker III — a combat veteran, U.S. Navy Captain, and COO at the EastWest Institute — details the unchecked threat Russia poses to the world. In this video, Dr. William J. Parker explains why Russia could still pose a potential threat to the world. This includes…
Simplifying an Otherwise Complicated Maritime Environment: Operate, Navigate, Communicate Why maritime captains need to prioritize time and effort towards “operating, navigating and communicating.”
Photo Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Declan Barnes/Released On June 17, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Fitzgerald collided with ACX Crystal, a Philippine-flagged container ship in route to Tokyo Harbor near the east coast of Japan. As a result of the collision, and the ensuing severe damage to Fitzgerald, a…
Dr. William J. Parker Discusses North Korea with Voice of America (VOA).
Dr. William J. Parker III discusses the ongoing nuclear threat from North Korea on Voice of America’s International Edition. Dr. Parker commented on President Donald Trump’s recent comment that “all options are on the table” regarding the isolated Asian country. Dr. Parker states, “Remember threat is both intent and capability. They have stated over and…
Why Russia sees Crimea as crucial to its future
US Navy Capt. William Parker III explains the strategic value of the Crimean peninsula. Journalist Kate Mcfarland interviews Dr. William Parker III about why Russia sees Crimea as crucial to its future. Parker explains his experience in the mediterranean sea and why this route is so important to Russia historictly. Link to Video
“America’s Strategically Focused Navy The “Away Team’s” Playbook”
In this article, Dr. William J. Parker talks about another article wrote by Lincoln Paine, entitled “What’s a Navy For?”. The new article tals about the U.S. Army and the navy as an important instrument of national power. (Full text available to subscribers only. This article is part of their premium archives. To get full…
Best Practices for the Surface Warfare XO
Suggestions to have the best experience as an executive officer. This article is part of their premium archives. Full text available to subscribers only.To get full access to the article, we must subscribe. Digital Membership: One year Membership: $42 or Three year Membership: $105. Other options: printed (full subscription) student or life subcriptions available. Publication…

Dr. William J. Parker III
Dr. William J Parker III is an entrepreneur, inventor, and national security leader with over thirty-five years of experience in the maritime industry and international conflict resolution.
He is a retired senior naval officer who after retirement from the military served as the President and CEO of the EastWest Institute and National Defense University Foundation before founding Parker Maritime Technologies.
He holds a PhD from George Mason University’s Department of Molecular and Microbiology, an MPA from Harvard’s John F Kennedy School of Government and a Bachelor of Science from the United States Air Force Academy where he was a distinguished military graduate and class president.
An award-winning author, Dr. Parker has published over thirty articles and co-authored the books Jihadist Strategic Communication and Guaranteeing America’s Security in the Twenty-First Century.
He appears in the 2016 Emmy-winning documentary, Sonic Sea.
Dr. Parker is an accomplished speaker and frequent guest commentator in the global media on issues of national security and the global economy. He has lectured at several dozen national and international venues to include: The Hague, The International Counter Terror Symposium at Windsor Castle in London, Columbia University, Tufts University, Columbia Law School, New York University, Harvard University, Bard College, the College of Charleston, the Armed Forces Staff College, Metropolitan State University-Denver, numerous Turkish, Russian, Armenian, Colombian, Chilean, and Mexican locations, and dozens of other colleges and universities worldwide. He has guest-lectured at the Council on Foreign Relations, where he is a life member and former military fellow.
Parker is a qualified military parachutist and Surface Warfare Officer with a long list of awards, including the Bronze Star, three Legions of Merit and the Department of State Meritorious Honor award.
During nearly three decades in uniform, he served as the Chief of Staff for U.S. Naval Surface Forces, commanded three warships, a squadron of warships and was the 2009 recipient of the Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Award for Inspirational Leadership. He was the U.S. Navy’s Military Fellow at the Council of Foreign Relations. In addition to multiple combat tours, he held the post of senior advisor and strategist with the U.S. embassies in Iraq and Pakistan.
He is a life member of the American Society of Naval Engineers, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Council on Foreign Relations, Explorers Club, National Defense Transportation Association, Surface Navy Association, Naval Historical Foundation, U.S. Naval Institute, Military Officers Association of America, New York Athletic Club, Harvard Club and the Army and Navy Club.
Executive Leadership Positions
- President and CEO, Parker Maritime Technologies
- President, PARMEY Consulting
- President and CEO, EastWest Institute
- Co-Founder, Quieter Oceans
- President and CEO, National Defense University Foundation
- Chief of Staff, U.S. Naval Surface Forces
- Commodore, Destroyer Squadron Two Three
- Commanding Officer, USS Donald Cook
- Commanding Officer, USS Zephyr
- Commanding Officer, USS Whirlwind
Academics
- PhD: George Mason University’s Department of Molecular and Microbiology.
- MPA: Harvard’s John F Kennedy School of Government. Moreau Scholar.
- Bachelor of Science: United States Air Force Academy; distinguished military graduate & class president.
Awards
Leadership:
- Vice Admiral James Stockdale Award for Inspirational Leadership
- Distinguished Military Graduate: U.S. Air Force Academy
- Headmasters Trophy: Outstanding Academic, Military and Athletic Graduate
Movies:
- Emmy Award: Best Nature Documentary for Sonic Sea
Academic:
- Moreau Scholar, Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government
- Military Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations
- Class President, U.S. Air Force Academy
Combat Operations
In addition to dozens of deployments at sea and on the ground, Dr. Parker was part of the following combat operations:
U.S. Government Awards, Decorations and Certifications
Parker has received the following awards and decorations (many numerous times) of the United States military: