I’m a researcher, author, educator, and former intelligence officer whose work focuses on intelligence analysis, military strategy, political violence, and the methods we use to understand complex problems. I currently conduct research at CNA and teach graduate courses at the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University. I am also the founder of Cascadia Intelligence Lab, where I help organizations strengthen critical thinking, analysis, judgment, and decision-making.

Previously, I served as a CIA military analyst and analytic methodologist and as a U.S. Army intelligence soldier, including two deployments to Afghanistan in support of 3rd Special Forces Group. I received my PhD from Boston College, where my research examined military statebuilding operations. I continue to study intelligence, military interventions and strategy, armed statebuilding, terrorism, and irregular and proxy warfare.

My research and commentary have appeared in academic and policy publications including War on the Rocks, The Nation, The New Republic, The National Interest, The Diplomat, and The Journal of Political Science Education. I am the author of Unwinnable Wars and have also written and taught extensively on intelligence analysis and analytic methods.

For organizational programs on critical thinking, analysis, and decision-making, visit Cascadia Intelligence Lab.