Fred Kaplan
Fred Kaplan
Full Name and Common Aliases
Fred Kaplan is a renowned American journalist, author, and historian, best known for his in-depth coverage of national security issues, military affairs, and foreign policy.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on September 6, 1947, in New York City, Kaplan has dedicated his career to shedding light on the complexities of international relations and defense strategy.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Kaplan is an American citizen and a veteran journalist with over four decades of experience. He has worked as a correspondent for major publications such as The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, and The New York Times, covering some of the most significant events in modern history.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in New York City, Kaplan developed an early interest in politics and international affairs. He attended Harvard University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in 1969 and later received his Master's degree from the same institution. Kaplan began his journalism career as a copy boy at The Boston Globe before moving on to become a staff writer.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his illustrious career, Kaplan has been recognized for his groundbreaking reporting and writing. Some of his notable achievements include:
Breaking several major stories related to national security, such as the Pentagon Papers scandal
Covering the Gulf War, the invasion of Iraq in 2003, and other significant conflicts
Authoring influential books on military strategy, including "The Wizards of Armageddon: McNamara and the Nuclear Strategists" (1983) and "Daydream Believers: How a Few Grand Ideas Wrecked American Power" (2013)
Serving as a senior fellow at the Center for New American Security and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations
Notable Works or Actions
Kaplan's writings have had a profound impact on shaping public discourse around defense policy. His books, articles, and commentaries have been widely praised for their insight and prescience. Some notable works include:
"The Bomb: Presidents, Generals, and the Secret History of Nuclear War" (1983), which exposed the inner workings of the nuclear establishment
"Terror Tapes: A Journey to the Hidden Side of America's War on Terror" (2005), a gripping account of the human cost of counterterrorism operations
* Regular columns in publications such as Slate and Foreign Affairs, where he continues to offer expert analysis on pressing global issues
Impact and Legacy
Fred Kaplan's contributions to journalism and national security have left an enduring mark on American discourse. His tireless commitment to shedding light on complex issues has inspired a new generation of journalists and scholars. Through his work, Kaplan has helped shape the public conversation around defense policy, encouraging policymakers and citizens alike to reexamine their assumptions about war, power, and international relations.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Fred Kaplan's remarkable career spans decades, with an impressive track record of breaking major stories, producing influential books, and shaping national conversations. His unique blend of journalistic acumen and historical insight has made him a go-to expert on matters of defense strategy and foreign policy. As one of the most respected voices in his field, Kaplan continues to inspire readers and scholars alike with his thought-provoking analysis and unyielding commitment to truth-telling.
Quotes by Fred Kaplan
The post-assassination Lincoln took on a greatly amplified importance to much of the American public, probably the president most deeply reviled in his lifetime and mostly highly regarded after his death.
Myth and mythology often serve constructive and aspirational purposes. But they also do harm.
I want to contribute to the culture and keep great writers alive by telling the stories of their lives.
I first wrote a biography of Thomas Carlyle, and it turned out I loved writing biographies and had a talent for it. I believed I had a contribution to make.
I started out as a writer of fiction, but nobody wanted to publish my work as a young man. So I decided to put my interest in the narrative writing of biographies.
Obama is a very fine writer with an excellent command of language. His memoir 'Dreams From My Father' is a fine book, but it will not rank as one of the great autobiographies.
Lincoln is a genius of language and a brilliant writer who deserves to be seen as part of the canon of great writers in American literature.