The Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination (LISD) at Princeton University is proud to announce that Nolan Musslewhite ‘25, Senior International Policy Associate and student co-founder of LISD’s Africa Program, has been awarded the prestigious Marshall Scholarship. The distinguished award will enable him to pursue graduate studies in the United Kingdom, where he plans to study African Studies at SOAS University of London followed by History at the University of Oxford.

A History major with minors in Classics, European Studies, History and Practice of Diplomacy, and Humanistic Studies, Musslewhite has distinguished himself through his scholarly work on British naval efforts to suppress the East African slave trade in the 19th century. His research, supported by a Stone/Davis prize, has taken him to national archives in Kenya, Zanzibar, and the United Kingdom.

Nadia Crisan, Executive Director of LISD, remarked, “Nolan exemplifies the exceptional caliber of student leaders we are fortunate to work with at the Institute. Since 2022, when Nolan became an International Policy Associate at LISD, he has demonstrated strong commitment to the study and practice of international relations and geopolitics.  His serious research to pursue deeper understanding of Africa’s complex history and contemporary challenges, combined with his natural leadership abilities, have made him an invaluable member of our community.” 

Additionally, Musslewhite’s leadership has also been visible through his work with LISD’s Africa Program, which he helped establish and now co-leads his peer student fellows. His academic achievements are complemented by extensive practical experience, including positions as a War Studies Fellow at the Institute for the Study of War, internships with three U.S. Senators and a U.S. Senate Committee, and work with the U.S. Department of Defense. He also serves as co-president of Princeton’s chapter of the Alexander Hamilton Society.

“The Liechtenstein Institute and the incredible people in the team have played an extraordinarily meaningful role in my time at Princeton,” Musslewhite said. “My academic, extracurricular, and professional experiences over the past three years have been greatly enriched through the International Policy Associates Initiative and most recently by the Africa Program, which I am grateful to have helped start  at the Institute.”

Proficient in Swahili, Latin, and Ancient Greek, Musslewhite brings a deep linguistic and cultural understanding to his academic work. Following his studies in the UK, he aspires to contribute to shaping U.S. policy toward Africa, building on his substantial academic research and practical experience in African affairs.

We congratulate Nolan on this remarkable achievement and look forward to following his continued contributions to American foreign policy.

With contributions from International Policy Associate Ambassador Luke Carroll ’26.

Related Story: Travis Kanoa Chai Andrade and Nolan Musslewhite awarded Marshall Scholarships (Princeton University News)