Political Science alumnus Eli Glickman has been named a 2025 Marshall Scholar — one of just 36 recipients selected from 983 applicants. The prestigious scholarship, which focuses on strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and the U.K., will fund his graduate studies abroad.
With the support of the Marshall Scholarship, Glickman, who graduated this spring, plans to pursue a master’s in history at Oxford and a master’s in war studies at King’s College in London. He plans to pursue a career working on nuclear strategy in a research capacity and in the U.S. Department of Defense.
Glickman recently spoke to UC Berkeley about his achievement. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Can you tell us about your background and what led you to UC Berkeley?
Eli Glickman: I grew up in Washington, D.C., and when I applied to colleges, I was eager to explore a different part of the country. While I was interested in Berkeley for a variety of reasons, the academics were the most salient. I was unsure where my general academic interests would take me, so the breadth of Berkeley's academics were appealing. Throughout my time on campus, I have been continually impressed by the diversity of interest and expertise among Berkeley's students, faculty and staff.
What was your reaction to being named a 2025 Marshall Scholar?
Eli Glickman: When the chair of my interview committee called me to let me know that I'd won a Marshall Scholarship, I was overjoyed. I had invested a great deal of time into working on my application and preparing for the interview, so I was very pleased to see my work pay off. I also felt a profound sense of responsibility. The Marshall Scholarship is an investment in the special relationship between the U.S. and U.K. As such, I intend to work on enhancing this relationship, leveraging my scholastic opportunities in the U.K. to familiarize myself with British history, politics and culture.
Why do you think you were selected for this award?
Eli Glickman: I believe I was selected for this award because of my belief in, and dedication to, the U.S.-U.K. special relationship. I believe that the U.S. and U.K., given our shared histories and democratic traditions, have important roles to play in promoting peace and prosperity. Given my academic and professional interests in defense policy and international security, my time in the U.K. will help me work to strengthen the special relationship between the U.S. and U.K. after I return.
What motivated you to pursue a Master’s in History at Oxford and a Master’s in War Studies at King’s College?
Eli Glickman: Having studied political science at Berkeley, I was keen to study a new method of analyzing international security problems, which drew me to history. Oxford is also home to the Strategy, Statecraft and Technology Changing Character of War Centre, which is an innovative, multidisciplinary research group that works on military strategy issues of great importance to the United States, United Kingdom and their NATO allies.
The War Studies program at King's College has a more contemporary bent than the military history course at Oxford and uses an interdisciplinary approach to the study of conflict. It's also situated in the heart of London, which will enable me to engage directly with U.K. national security institutions and learn British perspectives on emerging defense issues.
How do you think your studies in the U.K. help you achieve your broader career goals?
Eli Glickman: I hope to devote my career to working on nuclear strategy in and around the Department of Defense. I'm specifically interested in working on developing policies to assure the United States' allies of the credibility of its nuclear deterrent.
Studying in the U.K. will help prepare me for my career goals by giving me exposure to allied national security decision making processes and helping me familiarize myself with diverse global perspectives on security challenges. This knowledge and experience will help me contribute more meaningfully to U.S. defense and alliance management policies.