Nikos Passas

Nikos Passas is a Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northeastern University, who has made scholarly contributions to the understanding of complex global issues. His expertise encompasses the study of security, corruption, illicit financial and trade flows, sanctions, terrorism, and white-collar crime, among other critical areas. His work aligned him with Sherman Teichman, former Director of the Education for Public Inquiry and International Citizenship (EPIIC) program at Tufts University, a multidisciplinary platform dedicated to the rigorous examination of intricate global dilemmas. The program aimed to cultivate informed and engaged global citizens by connecting theoretical knowledge with practical applications through innovative curricula and projects. Their relationship started in the 1990s and continued over the years covering issues ranging from global crime, financial misconduct, security threats, “Europe in Turmoil”, as well as a collaboration with Professor Neva Goodwin on socially and economically harmful corporate practices. This initiative led to the publication of a book with the title “It’s Legal but it Ain’t Right Harmful Social Consequences of Legal Industries," published by the University of Michigan Press in 2004.” 

Sherman and Nikos also collaborated at the time Professor Passas held the esteemed position of INSPIRE Fellow at Tufts University's Institute of Global Leadership. The INSPIRE program was designed to bring accomplished scholars and practitioners to the Tufts campus to deliver public and classroom lectures, as well as offer guidance on research and career paths. Moreover, in 2017, Professor Passas was bestowed with the Dr. Jean Mayer Global Citizenship Award by the Institute. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to confronting global corruption and crime, coupled with courageous activism in exposing such practices. Finally, Sherman Teichman and Nikos Passas co-led a year-long workshop from 2017 to 2019 on the critical intersection of corruption and human rights. This initiative, while formally convened at the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at Harvard Kennedy School.

Their collaboration continues currently within the framework of Trebuchet.