David Cole is a prominent American historian known for his work on civil liberties and constitutional law. He has written extensively about the impact of government policies on individual rights, particularly in the context of national security and terrorism. His scholarship often focuses on the balance between security measures and the preservation of civil liberties in the United States. In addition to his academic work, Cole is a professor at Georgetown University Law Center and has contributed to various publications, including The New York Review of Books. He is also a legal advisor for organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), advocating for the protection of civil rights in contemporary society.