Nicholas Cull Knighted by USC’s Trojan Knights

In March 2026, the USC Trojan Knights honored CPD Faculty Fellow Nicholas Cull in a knighting ceremony on the USC campus, recognizing his contributions to the field of public diplomacy and to the intellectual life of USC. Founded in 1921, the Trojan Knights have long served as the university’s official hosts and stewards of its traditions, blending school spirit with a commitment to service. From guarding the Victory Bell to organizing community initiatives, the Knights embody USC’s ethos of leadership and engagement, making their recognition of Cull not only ceremonial, but symbolic of a scholar whose work bridges academia and global public life.

Cull, Professor of Public Diplomacy and founding director of USC’s Master’s Program in Public Diplomacy, is widely regarded as one of the field’s leading historians and practitioners. His scholarship has traced the evolution of international communication and influence, from Cold War-era information agencies to the complexities of digital-era engagement. Over decades, he has advised governments, lectured across the world, and helped shape how nations understand their relationships with global publics. His work reflects a core tenet of public diplomacy itself: that reputation, narrative, and credibility are as vital to international standing as material power.

The ceremony was attended by Beong-Soo Kim, USC’s 13th president, who assumed office in February 2026 after serving as interim president. Kim leads a university of more than 46,000 students and has emphasized dialogue, global engagement, and innovation, including new initiatives addressing artificial intelligence and academic culture. His presence underscored the institutional importance of Cull’s work, situating it within USC’s broader mission to advance knowledge and prepare leaders capable of navigating an increasingly complex international landscape.

Professor Cull’s most recent work on “reputational security” further highlights his continued relevance in contemporary debates. The concept reframes national security to include how a country is perceived abroad, arguing that trust and respect can determine whether others come to a nation’s aid in times of crisis. In an era of shifting global perceptions, Cull warns that reputation is not built through messaging alone, but through sustained action and credible institutions. The Trojan Knights’ recognition honors a scholar whose ideas illuminate how nations, like universities, must earn and maintain their standing in the eyes of the world. 

Photos by Glenn Osaki