Caves, Jr., John P.

Expert Consultant

Areas of Expertise: Countering WMD; Biological & Chemical Defense; Deterrence, Nuclear Policy

Mr. John P. Caves, Jr. is an expert consultant with the Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction at National Defense University.  He retired from full-time Federal service in 2022 as a Distinguished Research Fellow at the Center.   He also served as the Center’s Deputy Director and Acting Director and did a detail assignment at the National Intelligence University as an NIU Presidential Scholar.  His work at the Center focused on chemical and nuclear weapons challenges and the future of WMD.  Mr. Caves previously served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense as Deputy Director for Counterproliferation Policy; Country Director for Turkey, Spain, and Cyprus; and Deputy Director for Plans, Defense Security Assistance Agency.  He received the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Medal for Joint Distinguished Civilian Service; Secretary of Defense Medal for Meritorious Civilian Service with Bronze Palm; and Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Civilian Service.  Mr. Caves has a Master of Public Affairs in International Relations from Princeton University and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College.  His recent publications include “Controlling Chemical Weapons in the New International Order” and The Future of Weapons of Mass Destruction:  An Update