Rostow, Walt Whitman (1916–2003)

US economist who was known for his expertise in the history of British economics as well as his theory that societies pass through five stages of economic growth.

He was born in New York City. He served as a special adviser to President John F Kennedy 1961–63 and was chair of the Policy Planning Council at the State Department 1961–66. A staunch anti-communist, he was a strong supporter of the Vietnam War under President Lyndon B Johnson. He returned to teaching in 1969 at the University of Texas, Austin, as professor of political economy and professor of history, remaining there until his death.