Theodore R. Johnson

Northern Virginia

Contributing columnist

Education: Hampton University, BS in mathematics; Harvard University, ALM with a concentration in international relations; Northeastern University, doctorate of law and policy

Theodore (Ted) R. Johnson, a contributing columnist for The Washington Post, a scholar on race and democracy, and a retired naval officer. His forthcoming book, "If We Are Brave", will be published in October. His research and writing primarily explore the role that race plays in electoral politics and democratic culture, and its influence on the national narrative and the American identity. Johnson is a retired U.S. Navy Commander following a two-decade career that included service as a White House fellow and speechwriter to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Following his military career, he's spent time at Deloitte and the think tanks New America and the Brennan Center for Justice. His first book, "When the Stars Begin to Fall: Overcoming Racism and Renewing the Promise of America,” was published in 2021. A native of North Carolina, Johnson is a proud HBCU graduate, holding a BS in mathematics from Hampton University as well as an ALM from Harvard University and a Doctor of Law and Policy from Northeastern University.
Latest from Theodore R. Johnson

‘When men become less critical to a society’s security, masculinity takes a hit’

Men are in crisis. On the latest episode of “Impromptu,” we look for what can be done.

September 5, 2024

What do men want?

The evidence is in. American men are facing a crisis — in health, in education and in the labor force. But under all of that runs deeper trends — disconnection, loneliness and a lack of role models. Columnists Theodore Johnson and Shadi Hamid talk with Richard Reeves, founder of the American Institute for Boys and Men, about the dueling visions of masculinity on the political stage and a hopeful way forward for the modern man.

September 3, 2024

A failing grade for the electoral college

A relic of another time, the electoral college distorts the results of our presidential elections and thwarts the will of the people.

September 3, 2024
Voters visit Jennie Moore Elementary School to cast their ballot on June 11 in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. (Sam Wolfe for The Washington Post)

Six parents on how to talk to kids about political violence

Parents can’t always control when kids learn about horrible things. But we can prepare them.

August 26, 2024
A police vehicle outside the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pa., on July 15, two days after former president Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt at a campaign rally. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

The mysterious case of the philandering blue jay

A birder’s tale: How a blue jay at the bird feeder became a lesson in life.

July 31, 2024
(The Washington Post; iStock)

Trump’s outreach to Black men hits a stumbling block: Kamala Harris

The former president’s mugshot on a T-shirt is no match for a strong Black woman.

July 30, 2024
A supporter holds up a sign as Vice President Harris delivers remarks at a campaign event in West Allis, Wis., on July 23. (Sara Stathas for The Washington Post)

How to be patriotic in today’s America

Post columnists on how to build a new sense of belonging.

July 4, 2024

America, we love you. But it’s hard.

It’s the week of the Fourth of July and the word patriotism is as divisive as the rest of American politics. Theodore Johnson, Karen Attiah and Jason Rezaian discuss the good and the bad about the United States, and how to reconcile its shortcomings while pushing for a better future.

July 3, 2024

Meet Dr. DEI, the new personification of old right-wing grievances

Complaints about diversity, equity and inclusion programs might sound new, but they reflect the same old racial divisions inflamed for political gain.

June 27, 2024
The sign above the door to the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging inside the main administration building on the main University of Kansas campus is seen on Friday, April 12, 2024, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/John Hanna, File)

Would warning labels on social media actually help? Think about CDs.

Post columnists debate the solutions springing up for a problem we might not even have.

June 26, 2024