Our People

IISS-style experts deliver impartial, rigorous analysis. They include established strategists and the brightest young analysts.

Leadership

Shannon Mugger

Research Director

shannon.mugger@iisfs.org

Geopolitical Dynamics Strategic Analysis Global Security

Shannon leads IISFS's research initiatives, overseeing the organization's analysis of emerging risks and geopolitical dynamics. With extensive experience in strategic studies, she ensures our research maintains the highest standards of rigor and relevance.

Elena Vasquez

Director of Policy

elena.vasquez@iisfs.org

Defense Policy Transatlantic Relations NATO

Elena leads our policy advisory work, bridging research insights with actionable recommendations for government and institutional partners. She has over 15 years of experience in defense policy analysis.

Senior Fellows

Dr. James Morrison

Senior Fellow, Cybersecurity

james.morrison@iisfs.org

Cyber Threats Critical Infrastructure Digital Security

Dr. Morrison is a leading expert on cybersecurity policy and critical infrastructure protection. He has advised government agencies on digital threats and authored numerous reports on cyber defense strategies.

Dr. Amara Okafor

Senior Fellow, Energy Security

amara.okafor@iisfs.org

Energy Policy Climate Security Resource Competition

Dr. Okafor specializes in the intersection of energy policy and national security, analyzing how energy transitions impact global stability. Her research covers renewable energy geopolitics and critical mineral supply chains.

Dr. Robert Kim

Senior Fellow, Economic Security

robert.kim@iisfs.org

Trade Policy Supply Chains Sanctions

Dr. Kim brings extensive experience in economic statecraft, analyzing how economic tools are used to advance security objectives. He has published widely on trade policy and supply chain resilience.

Sarah Blackwell

Senior Fellow, Technology Policy

sarah.blackwell@iisfs.org

AI Governance Emerging Tech Innovation Policy

Sarah focuses on the security implications of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and its governance frameworks. She has advised policymakers on technology regulation and competitiveness.

Dr. Hassan Al-Rashid

Senior Fellow, Middle East Security

hassan.al-rashid@iisfs.org

Regional Conflicts Terrorism Governance

Dr. Al-Rashid provides deep expertise on Middle Eastern security dynamics, including conflict resolution and counterterrorism strategies. He has conducted extensive field research in the region.

Research Associates

David Okonkwo

Research Associate

david.okonkwo@iisfs.org

African Security Development

David focuses on security dynamics in Sub-Saharan Africa, including governance challenges and regional cooperation. He has conducted field research in multiple African countries.

Maria Santos

Research Associate

maria.santos@iisfs.org

Latin American Politics Migration

Maria analyzes political and security trends in Latin America, with expertise in migration patterns and governance. She has published research on transnational organized crime.

Alexander Petrov

Research Associate

alexander.petrov@iisfs.org

European Security NATO

Alexander contributes to our analysis of European security architecture and transatlantic relations. His research focuses on NATO adaptation and European defense integration.

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