Mark Simpson is a political historian whose work examines challenges to American geopolitical dominance from foreign entities, as well as threats posed by terrorist organizations. Simpson also specializes in the history of the presidency and presidential elections. He teaches courses in political science, human geography, and American history. He is an advocate for interdisciplinary education and encourages students to explore issues from different angles, across multiple subject areas. Simpson has teaching experience at all levels of higher education, having taught at community colleges, a private four-year college, and two universities. During his career he has accepted appointments as an assistant professor, a full professor, and department chair. Simpson is the author of three books and has contributed multiple columns for news organizations. 

He is currently a faculty associate in political science with the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts at Arizona State University.