Crossword Genius

American hawk pursues Republican pacifist (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

russell

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'pacifist' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'american hawk pursues republican' is the wordplay.
'american' becomes 'US' (United States).
'hawk' becomes 'sell' (hawk can mean to sell or trade).
'pursues' says to put letters next to each other.
'republican' becomes 'R' (political abbreviation).
'us'+'sell'='ussell'
'ussell' put after 'r' is 'RUSSELL'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for russell that I've seen before include "See 2" , "group of universities" , "Bertrand ___ , philosopher and mathematician, d. 1970" , "He did philosophy" , "Jack -, type of terrier" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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