Alison Russell

Alison Russell is a research scientist at CNA and a specialist in Middle Eastern political-military affairs and maritime issues. Her Middle East research interests include leadership analysis of Middle Eastern regimes, terrorism, and political-social developments in the region. Her naval research topics include maritime theater security cooperation, joint interoperability, strategic communication, and the development of the Navy's community of regional and area specialists. Prior to joining CNA, Russell lived and studied in Syria, Morocco, and France, where she gained valuable Arabic and French language skills and practical on-the-ground experience. Russell graduated from Boston College, where she majored in Political Science and French Literature. She also earned an M.A. in International Relations from American University. She is aan alumna of the Arabic Teaching Institute in Damascus and Middlebury College Arabic Language School's Intensive Immersion Program.