Michael Connell, Ph.D.

Michael Connell, Ph.D. is a member of the research staff at CNA's Center for Naval Analyses and the Director of CNA’s Iranian Studies Program. While at CNA, he has authored several studies that focus on political, military, and security issues related to Iran and the other Persian Gulf countries. His most recent work focuses on Iran’s ballistic missile program, the corporate culture of Iran’s armed forces, officer development in the Iranian Navy and IRGC Navy, and Iran-GCC relations. Connell served as CNA’s field representative to the headquarters of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), Bahrain. He is also an adjunct faculty member at the Leader Development and Education for Sustained Peace (LDESP) program at the Naval Postgraduate School.

Connell has lectured at various domestic and international venues, including the Brookings Institution, the American Enterprise Institute, the Forum du Futur, American University, and Security for a New Century. His recent published articles include Strategic Posture Review: Iran (World Politics Review, 2012), The Artesh Navy: Iran’s Strategic Force (Middle East Institute Viewpoints Series, 2011), and Iran’s Military Doctrine (USIP, 2010). Interviews with him have been featured in various media outlets including NPR, the New York Times, BBC, and the Los Angeles Times.

Prior to joining CNA, Connell served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Army. He was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Connell earned his Ph.D. in History and Middle Eastern Studies from Harvard University and his B.A. in Near Eastern Studies from Brandeis University.